Be good Quote by Alfred Lord Tennyson
“Virtue!--to be good and just-- Every heart, when sifted well, Is a clot of warmer dust, Mix'd with cunning sparks of hell.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Angel" by Alfred Lord Tennyson, 1850
Human nature contains both goodness and sin; moral character emerges from the struggle between virtue and vice.
In simple terms: People are a mix of good and bad.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and nurture the good within.
Themes
morality
human nature
inner conflict
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
dualism
ethical development
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance compassion with self‑discipline?
- What sparks your inner goodness?
A Different Perspective
Virtue alone cannot erase inherent flaws.
