The question is not whether the good outweighs the bad. The question is whether or not the good excuses the bad. And, in my opinion, it doesn't. It never does. As long as wrongs are being commited, in any quantity, and in any ratio to the amount of good that is being done, it is both irresponsible and wrong not to bring awareness to it, and struggle to put an end to it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Good deeds do not excuse bad ones, so we must always speak out against wrongs.
- In plain terms
- Doing some good does not make bad behavior acceptable, so we must address it.
- What can you take from it?
- Do not let good intentions hide bad actions; hold people accountable.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can good ever excuse bad?
- How do we balance accountability and redemption?
Another view
Acknowledging positive contributions can sometimes be necessary to build trust.
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