The wicked are wicked, no doubt, and they go astray and they fall, and they come by their deserts: but who can tell the mischief which the very virtuous do?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- While wicked people are obviously harmful, the author questions the hidden damage caused by those who claim to be virtuous.
- In plain terms
- Bad people are known, but good people can do hidden harm too.
- What can you take from it?
- Virtue does not guarantee harmless intentions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do good intentions always lead to good outcomes?
Another view
It generalizes that virtuous people cause significant mischief.
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