I always have positive intentions.

Hear the words of Roddy Ricch, who spoke with a simplicity that hides great depth: “I always have positive intentions.” Though short, this statement carries the weight of an oath. It is a reminder that while deeds may be misunderstood and outcomes may falter, what roots the soul in truth is the intention that gave birth to action. For in the realm of human struggle, where mistakes abound and judgments are swift, it is the heart’s purpose that reveals whether a man walks in darkness or in light.

To act with positive intentions is to choose each day to plant seeds of good, even when the soil is hard or the harvest uncertain. It is to declare: “Though the world may twist my actions or misread my steps, my will is aimed toward uplift, not harm.” This is not to claim perfection, for all stumble. Rather, it is to commit the inner compass to kindness, to growth, to service. Such a life, even if scarred with failure, shines brighter than one outwardly polished but inwardly corrupt.

History bears witness to this truth. Consider the life of Florence Nightingale, who defied the expectations of her age to bring aid to wounded soldiers in the Crimean War. Her efforts were at times resisted, her methods doubted, her presence criticized. Yet her intentions were pure: to bring healing where there was only suffering. Because she held firm, her legacy transformed the field of nursing and gave hope to countless souls. Her actions were imperfect, as all human deeds are, but her positive intentions carried power across generations.

So too do we recall Abraham Lincoln, who bore the heavy burden of civil war. Not all his policies were praised, nor were all his decisions free of error. Yet he declared with clarity that his intent was to preserve the Union and end the sin of slavery. His words in the Second Inaugural—“with malice toward none, with charity for all”—echo the spirit of positive intentions, showing that even amidst bloodshed, he sought reconciliation rather than vengeance. It was this that made him not only a leader, but a healer of his nation.

The meaning of Roddy Ricch’s words is therefore clear: the origin of true greatness lies not in flawless outcomes but in the purity of purpose. Life will always bring misunderstanding, failure, or resistance. Yet the one who acts with sincerity of heart may walk in peace, knowing that the river of intention flows toward the good. This is the unseen power that shapes destiny—not merely what one does, but why one does it.

The lesson for us is simple but profound: guard your intentions. Before you speak, ask: “Is my aim to build or to break?” Before you act, ask: “Will this sow kindness or harm?” For even if the fruits of your labor fall short, the seed of your motive will testify to your character. The world may not always reward such purity, but the soul, strengthened by integrity, will carry a peace that no storm can shatter.

Practical wisdom calls us to three steps. First, cultivate awareness of your motives—pause each day to examine the heart. Second, when you err, return to your positive intention, correct your course, and try again. Third, extend grace to others, recognizing that though their actions may wound, their intentions may yet be rooted in good. In this practice lies not only peace but also the building of trust, community, and enduring strength.

So let it be remembered: positive intentions are the compass of the soul. They may not always shield us from failure, nor guarantee the favor of men, but they ensure that our journey bends toward the good. Roddy Ricch’s words, though simple, are heroic in their clarity: to walk each day with a heart aimed at light is itself a victory, one that echoes beyond the span of a single life into the memory of generations.