Skip to content

Decent people Quote by Charles Bukowski

“Why can't you be decent to people?" she asked. "Fear," I said.” quote by Charles Bukowski
Download Open image
““Why can't you be decent to people?" she asked. "Fear," I said.””

Charles Bukowski

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.

Key Takeaway

Be kind because fear protects you.

Themes

kindness fear humanity motivation

Mood

raw introspective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • interpersonal conflict
  • social anxiety
  • moral decision‑making
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can you be kind without fear?
  • What other motivations drive your decency?
A Different Perspective

Kindness motivated solely by fear may lack authenticity.

3.9 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Charles Bukowski

Explore all 1,492 Charles Bukowski quotes

More Decent people quotes

Browse all 156 Decent people quotes