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To be a saint or a man of too good a nature in today's…

“To be a saint or a man of too good a nature in today's pragmatic world, with everyone out to get the other fellow, was equivalent to being a fool, wasn't it?” quote by Shūsaku Endō
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““To be a saint or a man of too good a nature in today's pragmatic world, with everyone out to get the other fellow, was equivalent to being a fool, wasn't it?””

Shūsaku Endō

About This Quote

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

The quote questions whether moral purity is foolish in a world driven by self‑interest, suggesting that idealism may be impractical.

In simple terms: Being overly good may seem foolish in a pragmatic society.

Key Takeaway

Consider the balance between idealism and realism.

Themes

moral idealism pragmatism human nature

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • philosophical discourse
  • personal ethics
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

ethical conflict social realism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it possible to stay morally pure without being taken advantage of?
  • When does practicality outweigh principle?
A Different Perspective

Idealism can be vulnerable to exploitation.

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