Why does no good deed go unpunished?

Answer 1

Many languages have no word for "gratitude" because most are incapable of feeling that a favor bestowed upon them need not be repaid. "Beholden to" is the closest thing that seems to translate into virtually every language. Psychologically, a person who feels a debt is owed but feels incapable of repaying often finds reasons to dislike the person or persons to whom the perceived debt is owed.

This can take many forms; anger and avoidance being the top two. Things loaned may not be returned as the borrower may feel he/she is owed the property or money for some imaginary reason and resents the loaner for asking for the property/money back. Even when no repayment is expected (as in a gift) the beneficiary of the gift may resent the giver of the gift and often lashes out in some way. The saying "no good deed goes unpunished" would more accurately be "good deeds seldom go unpunished" - some people are truly capable of gratitude.

"It is easier to give than receive" is a closely related saying. Many are capable of giving with no expectation of return but the reverse is not true.

Doug Myerscough

No good deed goes unpunished means that Life is so unfair that one is more likely to get in trouble than to be rewarded if one attempts to do a good action.

Ronald Sylvain

Answer 2

The phrase "no good deed goes unpunished" suggests that sometimes when we try to do something positive or helpful, unexpected consequences or backlash may occur. This can be due to misunderstandings, jealousy, or simply the complexity of human interactions. It reflects the idea that even with the best intentions, things may not always go as planned.

Answer 3

Clare Boothe Luce