Goodness Quote by Clarice Lispector
““Because the best phrase and always still the youngest, was: goodness makes me want to be sick. Goodness was lukewarm and light. It smelled of raw meat kept for too long. Without entirely rotting in spite of everything. It was freshened up from time to time, seasoned a little, enough to keep it a piece of lukewarm, quiet meat.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Hour of the Star, 1977
The narrator describes goodness as stale, almost repulsive, yet still appealing, highlighting the paradox of desire for moral purity.
In simple terms: Goodness feels both repellent and alluring.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the complexity of moral attraction.
Themes
morality
desire
paradox
illusion
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- art criticism
- self‑reflection
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
ethical ambiguity
psychological tension
Questions to Reflect On
- Why does the narrator find goodness sickening?
- Can moral purity be truly satisfying?
A Different Perspective
The passage may romanticize unhealthy obsession with moral perfection.
