Q9.What does this quotation mean to you in the present context “The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject anything, is not whether it has any evil in it; but whether it has more evil than good. There are few things wholly evil or wholly good. Almost everything, especially of governmental policy, is an inseparable compound of the two; so that our best judgement of the preponderance between them is continually demanded. ”Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln's quote emphasizes that most decisions, especially in public policy, are not purely good or evil but a complex mix. Ethical choice involves discerning the 'preponderance' of good over evil, not seeking absolute perfection. This demands continuous, nuanced judgment and a willingness to make difficult trade-offs.

This principle is vital today, applicable to dilemmas like balancing economic growth with environmental protection, security with liberty, or welfare with fiscal prudence. Policies inherently involve compromises, rarely being wholly beneficial or detrimental.

For civil servants, this necessitates objectivity, integrity, courage, and practical wisdom. It acknowledges public administration's inherent complexity and moral ambiguity, requiring a pragmatic ethical approach focused on maximizing overall societal well-being through informed choices despite imperfect options.