The idea that we cause harm by doing what we perceive to be the right thing, that’s another theme that interests me. Because most people don’t intend to cause harm, they cause harm by doing the right thing – in their mind.
Meaning of the quote
Sometimes, even when we try to do the right thing, we can end up causing harm without meaning to. This is because what we think is the right thing to do may not actually be the best choice. People usually don't want to hurt others, but they can still do so by acting in a way that they believe is correct, even if it's not. This is an interesting idea that the actor Andrew McCarthy finds thought-provoking.
About Andrew McCarthy
Andrew McCarthy is an American actor, travel writer, and television director best known for his roles in 1980s films like St. Elmo’s Fire and Pretty in Pink. He’s also worked as a director, including on the popular show Orange Is the New Black.
More quotes from Andrew McCarthy
I thought I understood the story very well, because I’ve lived with it for so long. But movies change and take on a life of their own once they start to be made, and you have to keep your eye on the real ball, not the ball that’s in your head.
American actor
I was fascinated that everybody in the story thinks that they’re in the right.
American actor
In doing everything, from coming up with the ideas and putting them on paper till doing the final edits, you are always thinking the next three steps, you’re always thinking what next, what next, what next?
American actor
Nobody thinks that they’re evil or bad, they think that they’re doing the right thing.
American actor
It was a beautiful experience for her, the experience that she had that she confesses. It wasn’t dirty and it wasn’t horrible and wasn’t shattering. It was a wonderful, liberating experience.
American actor
It’s embarrassing, isn’t it? It took me 15 years to make an 18-minute movie.
American actor
So I wanted to explore all points of view of that, not just the girl’s but his point of view as well. Only by directing it could I explore all the points of view.
American actor
The price of self-empowerment is what I call it. Somebody who thinks outside the box.
American actor
In starting to learn about film festivals and what were good ones – ’cause there are five billion of them – it was just a really good East Coast festival. And I thought this little movie was an East Coast film.
American actor
So something about that touched me, obviously, when I was young and it just stayed with me. I’m always amazed by that, because my experience seems to be so much different than what I’m told, so much of the time.
American actor
And I know when I was younger, and still, I always marvel at what I feel is different from what I’m told that I’m supposed to feel.
American actor
The idea that we cause harm by doing what we perceive to be the right thing, that’s another theme that interests me. Because most people don’t intend to cause harm, they cause harm by doing the right thing – in their mind.
American actor