proverb · Words worth keeping
Do what thou ought, let come what may.
Do what thou ought, let come what may.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying values acting on a considered responsibility despite uncertainty about the result. It encourages integrity, while deciding what ought to be done still requires attention to consequences, competing duties and the people affected.
Example
An editor corrects an inaccurate caption and explains the change, even though acknowledging the mistake may prompt criticism.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The first clause concerns what one ought to do; the second acknowledges that the outcome may not be controllable. A useful reading separates a responsible choice from the hope that it will be rewarded or welcomed. Someone may need to keep a promise or correct an error even when doing so is uncomfortable. However, calling an action a duty does not settle whether it is right. The possible effects and alternatives still deserve consideration. The proverb should support thoughtful resolve, not reckless indifference to harm or obedience to any demand presented as an obligation. Integrity includes examining the responsibility before acting as well as accepting uncertainty afterwards.
When to use it
Use it when a well-examined responsibility should not depend solely on the prospect of approval.
Keep in mind
Examine the duty and consequences first; resolve is not permission for recklessness or unquestioning obedience.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English