Badness Quote by Anthony Burgess
““but,brothers, this biting of their toe-nails over what is the cause of badness is what turns me into a fine laughing malchick... more badness is of the self, the one, the you or me on our oddy knockies,and that self is made by old Bog or God and is his great pride and radosty. But the not-self cannot have the bad, meaning they of the government and the judges and the schools cannot allow the bad because they cannot allow the self... But what I do I do because I like to do.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, 1962
The speaker mocks moralizing about personal flaws, suggesting that external institutions cannot control inner badness, and he acts simply because he enjoys it.
In simple terms: Selfishness and external control are futile; act for personal enjoyment.
Key Takeaway
Embrace personal freedom, ignore imposed morality.
Themes
individualism
morality
freedom
joy
Mood
defiant
ironic
playful
Type
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- personal decision‑making
- creative expression
- rebellion against authority
- self‑reflection
- ethical debate
Key Concepts
existentialism
nihilism
self‑determination
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you act for personal pleasure or moral duty?
- How do institutions shape our sense of self?
A Different Perspective
It ignores the impact of actions on others and societal responsibility.
