It is not that you do wrong by design, but that you should never do right by mistake

It is not that you do wrong by design, but that you should never do right by mistake

In the context of "Junius," a collection of letters written by an anonymous author in the 18th century criticizing the British government and monarchy, the quote "It is not that you do wrong by design, but that you should never do right by mistake" takes on a profound meaning. The author, known only by the pseudonym Junius, was a fierce critic of corruption and injustice in the British political system, and his words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of acting with intention and integrity.

Junius believed that it was not enough to simply avoid doing wrong; one must actively strive to do what is right. In his letters, he condemned those in power who abused their positions for personal gain, and called for a higher standard of moral conduct among public officials. He believed that true virtue lay not in avoiding wrongdoing, but in actively pursuing justice and righteousness.

The quote also speaks to the idea that good intentions are not enough; one must also be mindful of the consequences of their actions. In the context of "Junius," this is particularly relevant, as the author's letters were often controversial and incendiary, sparking debate and controversy among the political elite. Junius understood that speaking truth to power could have serious repercussions, but he believed that it was necessary to hold those in authority accountable for their actions.