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Be good Quote by Charles Kingsley

“Did it ever strike you that goodness is not merely a beautiful thing, but by far the most beautiful thing in the whole world? So that nothing is to be compared for value with goodness; that riches, honor, power, pleasure, learning, the whole world and all in it, are not worth having in comparison…” quote by Charles Kingsley
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“Did it ever strike you that goodness is not merely a beautiful thing, but by far the most beautiful thing in the whole world? So that nothing is to be compared for value with goodness; that riches, honor, power, pleasure, learning, the whole world and all in it, are not worth having in comparison with being good; and the utterly best thing for a person is to be good, even though they were never to be rewarded for it.”

Charles Kingsley

About This Quote

Source Novel: Westward Ho!, Charles Kingsley, 1855

Goodness surpasses all worldly rewards; its intrinsic worth outweighs wealth, power, or pleasure.

In simple terms: Being good is the greatest reward, beyond material gains.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate goodness for its own sake.

Themes

morality intrinsic value virtue

Mood

inspirational thoughtful

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal decisions
  • leadership
  • community service
  • education

Key Concepts

ethical philosophy human flourishing selflessness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does being good mean to you?
  • How can you practice goodness without expecting reward?
A Different Perspective

Goodness may be undervalued in a materialistic society.

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