Full Idea
Harmful omissions are unavoidable, while most harmful acts can be avoided.
Gist of Idea
Harmful omissions are unavoidable, while most harmful acts can be avoided
Source
Jonathan Glover (Causing Death and Saving Lives [1977], §7.8)
Book Reference
Glover,Jonathan: 'Causing Death and Saving Lives' [Penguin 1982], p.104
A Reaction
This does suggest why we get angry with bad actions, but are very tolerant of omissions. It is also easier to motivate positive actions than to worry about things undone. Omissions can be disgraceful.