Decent people Quote by Charles Bukowski
““Why can't you be decent to people?" she asked. "Fear," I said.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Days Run, 1978
The speaker asks why they should be kind, and answers that fear is the reason, implying that decency is driven by self‑preservation.
In simple terms: Fear motivates decency.
Be kind because fear protects you.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- interpersonal conflict
- social anxiety
- moral decision‑making
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you be kind without fear?
- What other motivations drive your decency?
Kindness motivated solely by fear may lack authenticity.