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About this quote

What does it mean?
This is a direct advice to minimize harm if positive action isn't possible.
In plain terms
If you can't help, just don't hurt anyone.
What can you take from it?
Avoiding harm is a minimum ethical standard.

Where it applies

  • moral dilemmas
  • inaction

Putting it to work

  • guide decision making
  • set baseline ethics

Questions to consider

  • Is not harming enough?
  • When should we intervene?

Another view

It may be too passive to address systemic harm.

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