The quote by Horace Walpole suggests that simply being 'good' is often insufficient to effect real change or save a nation. Good individuals may hesitate to take extreme measures that might be necessary in critical situations. This points to a moral dilemma where the idealistic nature of goodness clashes with the harsh realities of conflict and survival.

In the context of Susan Elia MacNeal's "The Paris Spy," this sentiment underscores the idea that morality may not always align with the actions required in tumultuous times. The narrative illustrates how characters face difficult choices, emphasizing that sometimes effectiveness demands more than just good intentions.