Good man Quote by Abraham Maslow
“It is too simple to say 'man is basically good' or 'man is basically evil'. The correct way would be to say 'man can become good (probably) and better and better, under a hierarchy of better and better conditions, but also it is very easy, even easie”
About This Quote
Source Book: Motivation and Personality, Abraham Maslow, 1954
Human nature is not fixed as purely good or evil; it can improve under increasingly favorable conditions, though regression is easy.
In simple terms: People can grow better given good conditions, but can also slip back.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate supportive environments to foster moral growth.
Themes
human nature
growth
conditions
morality
Mood
reflective
optimistic
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- education reform
- community building
- personal development
- policy design
Key Concepts
Maslow hierarchy
ethical development
Questions to Reflect On
- What conditions most help moral improvement?
- How can societies prevent easy regression?
A Different Perspective
Improvement depends on sustained effort and external support, not just internal will.
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