“I have seen how the foundations of the world are laid, and I have not the least doubt that it will stand a good while.”
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.
“If the critics are right that I've made all my decisions based on polls, then I must not be very good at reading them.”
“I have seen how the foundations of the world are laid, and I have not the least doubt that it will stand a good while.”
“A good man often appears gauche simply because he does not take advantage of the myriad mean little chances of making himself look stylish. Preferring truth to form, he is not constantly at work upon the facade of his appearance.”
“The bad fortune of the good turns their faces up to heaven the good fortune of the bad bows their heads down to the earth.”
“I have only one yardstick by which I test every major problem - and that yardstick is: Is it good for America?”
“The state comes into existence for the sake of life and continues to exist for the sake of good life.”
“No man is good enough to govern any woman without her consent.”
“I want to state upfront, unequivocally and without doubt: I do not believe that any racial, ethnic or gender group has an advantage in sound judging. I do believe that every person has an equal opportunity to be a good and wise judge, regardless of their background or life experiences.”
“The pay is good and I can walk to work.”
“Treasure the love you receive above all. It will survive long after your good health has vanished.”
“There is nothing I love as much as a good fight.”
“Dig within. Within is the wellspring of Good and it is always ready to bubble up, if you just dig.”
“Much of the social history of the Western world, over the past three decades, has been a history of replacing what worked with what sounded good.”
“The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.”
“An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.”
“To speak ill of others is a dishonest way of praising ourselves. Nothing is often a good thing to say, and always a clever thing to say.”