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God's earth is good. It is only we who are bad. How little…

“God's earth is good. It is only we who are bad. How little justice and humility we have, how poor our understanding of patriotism! ... Instead of knowledge, there is insolence and boundless conceit, instead of labor, idleness and caddishness; there is no justice, the understanding of honor does…” quote by Anton Chekhov
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““God's earth is good. It is only we who are bad. How little justice and humility we have, how poor our understanding of patriotism! ... Instead of knowledge, there is insolence and boundless conceit, instead of labor, idleness and caddishness; there is no justice, the understanding of honor does not go beyond "the honor of the uniform," a uniform usually adorning our prisoners' dock. We must work, the hell with everything else. The important thing is that we must be just, and all the rest will be added unto us.””

Anton Chekhov

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Humanity is flawed, lacking justice and humility, yet work and justice must be pursued despite widespread idleness and conceit.

In simple terms: Humans are flawed; work and justice are essential.

Key Takeaway

Commit to just work despite societal flaws.

Themes

justice humility work morality societal critique

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical social

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • public policy
  • personal integrity

Key Concepts

ethics philosophy social commentary

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can individuals foster justice?
  • What role does humility play in society?
A Different Perspective

May be idealistic.

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