“Virtue is persecuted more by the wicked than it is loved by the good.”
What does it mean to be good? These quotes explore virtue, decency, kindness, and the daily choices that add up to a life well lived. Not preachy — just thoughtful observations from people trying to do right in a complicated world.
“No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.”
“Virtue is persecuted more by the wicked than it is loved by the good.”
“We are all ready to be savage in some cause. The difference between a good man and a bad one is the choice of the cause.”
“I like refried beans. That's why I wanna try fried beans, because maybe they're just as good and we're just wasting time. You don't have to fry them again after all.”
“Good leadership consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people.”
“A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.”
“Chocolate is the first luxury. It has so many things wrapped up in it: Deliciusness in the moment, childhood memories, and that grin-inducing feeling of getting a reward for being good.”
“Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.”
“It seemed the world was divided into good and bad people. The good ones slept better while the bad ones seemed to enjoy the waking hours much more.”
“Therefore, the good of man must be the end of the science of politics.”
“The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good.”
“To have ego means to believe in your own strength. And to also be open to other people's views. It is to be open, not closed. So, yes, my ego is big, but it's also very small in some areas. My ego is responsible for my doing what I do - bad or good.”
“When good Americans die they go to Paris.”
“Fame is like caviar, you know - it's good to have caviar but not when you have it at every meal.”
“A good conscience is a continual Christmas.”
“All human beings are commingled out of good and evil.”