“In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.” — Immanuel Kant

 *The following content is just a simple explanation of the quote, not the model answer.

Immanuel Kant's quote emphasizes the distinction between legal guilt and ethical guilt. In simpler terms, it means that while the law focuses on actions, ethics also considers intentions. Even if someone doesn't actually commit a crime, they can still be morally wrong if they intend to do so.

For civil servants, this quote highlights the importance of ethical conduct beyond legal compliance. While they must adhere to the laws and regulations governing their work, they must also consider the moral implications of their actions and decisions.

A civil servant might follow all the legal procedures when awarding a government contract. However, if they intend to favor a particular company due to personal connections, they would be acting unethically, even if their actions are not illegal.

In essence, Kant's quote reminds us that being a good citizen and a good public servant requires not only following the law but also upholding ethical principles and acting with integrity.