This quote essentially emphasizes the importance of not just recognizing the right thing to do, but also having the courage and integrity to follow through with it. It speaks to the idea that moral and ethical understanding alone is insufficient. It is one thing to discern what is right, but it is another entirely to act on it, particularly when doing so may be difficult or inconvenient.
The ‘want of courage’ refers to the fear or hesitation that might prevent us from doing what we know is right. This could be due to fear of judgement, fear of failure, or even fear of success. The ‘want of principle’ refers to a lack of integrity or moral character that might lead us to choose an easier, but less ethical, path.
In the context of today’s world, this quote is quite relevant. We are often faced with situations where we know what the right thing to do is, but we may hesitate to do it because of potential backlash, criticism, or personal loss. This could apply to a range of scenarios, from standing up against social injustices to making ethical business decisions.
In terms of personal development, this quote can serve as a reminder that growth requires not only knowledge and understanding, but also the courage to act on our convictions. It encourages us to not just know better, but to do better. This might involve stepping out of our comfort zones, standing up for what we believe in, and making difficult decisions in the pursuit of integrity and authenticity. It is about aligning our actions with our values, even when it is challenging.