"Nobody ever did anything very foolish except from some strong principle"

This quote by Lord Melbourne suggests that individuals are hardly ever driven to do something foolish without a strong underlying inspiration. It implies that when individuals do something silly, it is generally because they are driven by a strong belief or principle. This might be a moral or ethical concept, a religious belief, or a political ideology. It could likewise be an individual conviction or a desire to accomplish a specific goal. Whatever the underlying principle might be, it is strong enough to drive someone to do something that is considered absurd. This quote encourages us to look beyond the foolishness of someone's actions and to think about the underlying concept that is driving them. It advises us that even when someone does something foolish, there is typically a strong principle behind it.