"If I steal money from any person, there may be no harm done from the mere transfer of possession; he may not feel the loss, or it may prevent him from using the money badly. But I cannot help doing this great wrong towards Man, that I make myself dishonest"

In this quote, William Kingdon Clifford reviews the ethical ramifications of dishonesty, particularly highlighting the internal moral effect rather than instant external results. Clifford begins by challenging the common justifications for theft, suggesting that the act of stealing might appear benign in specific scenarios. For example, the victim might be unaware of the loss or might have been inclined to utilize the money in damaging ways. This line of reasoning recommends that the direct impact of theft on the victim could often be perceived as negligible and even useful.

Nevertheless, Clifford shifts the focus from the effects dealt with by the victim to the moral degradation experienced by the criminal. By mentioning, "But I can not assist doing this terrific incorrect towards Man, that I make myself dishonest", Clifford argues that the most considerable damage triggered by theft is to the thief's character. He recommends that the act of taking wears down the integrity of the person, marking a fundamental moral failure.

Clifford highlights the intrinsic worth of sincerity and stability, positioning them as main to one's moral identity. By picking to take part in dishonest habits, a person is not just committing an act against another person, however they are also compromising their own concepts and ethical requirement. This self-inflicted damage is represented as a "fantastic incorrect" against humankind, implying that when individuals act dishonestly, they diminish their contribution to a more ethical society.

Therefore, Clifford's meditation encourages reflection on personal values and the value of preserving integrity no matter external outcomes. He suggests that ethical actions should be directed by an internal ethical compass instead of simply considering the potential effects for others. This quote acts as a suggestion that preserving honesty and stability is a basic obligation not simply to others, however importantly, to oneself.