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With all my soul I wished to be good, but I was young…

“With all my soul I wished to be good, but I was young, passionate and alone, completely alone when I sought goodness. Every time I tried to express my most sincere desire, which was to be morally good, I met with contempt and ridicule, but as soon as I yielded to low passions I was praised and…” quote by Leo Tolstoy
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““With all my soul I wished to be good, but I was young, passionate and alone, completely alone when I sought goodness. Every time I tried to express my most sincere desire, which was to be morally good, I met with contempt and ridicule, but as soon as I yielded to low passions I was praised and encouraged.””

Leo Tolstoy

About This Quote

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

Desire for moral goodness clashes with societal ridicule; yielding to base urges brings approval.

In simple terms: Goodness vs. ridicule; low passions praised.

Key Takeaway

Stay true to moral values despite external pressure.

Themes

integrity societal pressure inner conflict

Mood

contemplative serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career choices
  • personal relationships
  • creative pursuits
  • political activism

Key Concepts

moral philosophy psychology of approval

Questions to Reflect On

  • What inner values guide you?
  • How do you resist peer pressure?
A Different Perspective

Temptation to conform can erode authenticity.

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