When an action is once done, it is right or wrong for ever; no accidental failure of its good or evil fruits can possibly alter that.

In this quote, William Kingdon Clifford, a British philosopher and mathematician, explores the idea that actions, once taken, are either right or wrong based on their intrinsic nature, regardless of their outcomes. He argues that the moral value of an action is not determined by whether it leads to success or failure, but by the intention and ethical principles behind it. This suggests that an action retains its moral status permanently, and that the consequences—whether positive or negative—do not change its inherent rightness or wrongness.

Clifford’s statement challenges the idea that the ends justify the means, a concept often associated with consequentialist ethics. He suggests that even if a seemingly wrong action results in good outcomes, it does not make the action morally acceptable. Similarly, a right action may lead to unintended negative consequences, but that does not alter its original moral value. This perspective emphasizes the importance of ethical intent and the belief that actions must be judged independently of their results.

The quote also reflects a deep belief in moral absolutism, where right and wrong are fixed concepts that cannot be swayed by external circumstances or the outcomes of our actions. Clifford’s view underscores the idea that moral principles should be followed regardless of the potential for failure or success. It encourages people to act with integrity and responsibility, without relying on the hope that a good outcome will justify questionable behavior.

Ultimately, William Kingdon Clifford’s quote emphasizes the importance of moral consistency and the idea that our actions are bound by ethical standards that remain unchanged over time. The true value of an action, in his view, is rooted in its rightness or wrongness, and not influenced by the success or failure that may follow.