"El infierno está lleno de buenas intenciones."
/el een-FYEHR-noh es-TAH YEH-noh deh BWEH-nahs een-ten-SYOH-nes/
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
💡 Understanding the Quote
"El infierno está lleno de buenas intenciones."
🎨 Visual Representation
This proverb warns that good intentions alone are not enough and can lead to negative consequences.
🔑 Key Words
📖 Context
This is a widespread European proverb. Its origin is often traced back to a saying by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th century, though the modern phrasing has evolved over time.
📝 In Action
Quería ayudar, pero solo empeoré las cosas. Ya sabes, el infierno está lleno de buenas intenciones.
B2I wanted to help, but I only made things worse. You know, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
No basta con querer cambiar; tienes que actuar. Recuerda que el infierno está lleno de buenas intenciones.
B2It's not enough to want to change; you have to act. Remember that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
✍️ About the Author
📜 Historical Context
The concept dates back to at least the 12th century, often attributed to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux who supposedly said, 'Hell is full of good intentions or desires.' Over centuries, it evolved and spread across Europe, becoming a common piece of wisdom in many languages, including Spanish and English.
🌍 Cultural Significance
This is a cornerstone proverb in the Spanish-speaking world, used to caution against inaction and procrastination. It serves as a practical reminder that the value of an idea lies in its execution, a sentiment that transcends culture and is easily understood in both personal and professional contexts.
📚 Literary Analysis
The power of this proverb lies in its stark, memorable metaphor. 'Infierno' (hell) represents any negative outcome—a failed project, a broken promise, a worsened situation. This dark destination is ironically reached via a path of 'buenas intenciones' (good intentions), highlighting the tragic disconnect between what we mean to do and what we actually accomplish.
⭐ Usage Tips
When to Use It
Use this proverb to comment on a situation where a well-intentioned plan went wrong, or to gently criticize someone (or yourself) for not following through on promises. It's a way of saying, 'Your intentions were good, but look at the result.'
Encouraging Action
It can also be used to motivate someone to move from the planning stage to the action stage. It's a powerful reminder that ideas without execution are meaningless.
🔗 Related Quotes
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: El infierno está lleno de buenas intenciones.
Question 1 of 2
What is the main message of 'El infierno está lleno de buenas intenciones'?
🏷️ Categories
Themes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this quote religious?
While it uses religious imagery ('infierno'), its modern usage is almost always secular and philosophical. It's a metaphor about the importance of action and the consequences of inaction in our daily lives.
Is there an English equivalent?
Yes, the direct and equally famous equivalent is 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions.' Both proverbs carry the exact same meaning and are used in very similar situations.