Good man Quote by Colleen McCullough
““Maybe no great man is virtuous. Or good. Perhaps a man rich in those qualities by definition is barred from greatness.””
About This Quote
Greatness may be incompatible with certain virtues, suggesting a trade‑off between moral excellence and achievement.
In simple terms: Virtue can conflict with greatness.
Key Takeaway
Consider the cost of moral purity.
Themes
virtue
greatness
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
philosophical
Type
ethical
reflective
When to use this quote
- leadership
- politics
- career advancement
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
human ambition
Questions to Reflect On
- Is greatness worth sacrificing virtue?
- Can one be both virtuous and great?
A Different Perspective
Some view virtue as a hindrance to success.
![“I don't see [ Trainspotting ] as an albatross, I see it more as a calling card. It's got me out to Hollywood, I've got a good agent, I've got a good manager, I'm getting a lot of work out there and doing a lot of stuff - getting a lot of film projects on the go.” quote by Irvine Welsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/918/irvine-welsh-843_agents_i-don-t-see-trainspotting-as-an-albatros_7750.jpg)
![“I put no stock in religion. By the word religion I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called the will of god. Holiness is in right action, and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves, and goodness. What God desires is here [mind] and here [heart] and what you…” quote by William Monahan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1e0/william-monahan-3226_every-day_i-put-no-stock-in-religion-by-the-word-r_8215.jpg)
![“I've often thought about that and the only suitable member to join me on that climb [to Everest] was George Lowe: he was strong, a good man on a mountain, with a great sense of humour, and I liked that. I think George and I could've done that together ... I've probably never told George that.” quote by Edmund Hillary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/165/edmund-hillary-3760_climbs_i-ve-often-thought-about-that-and-the-on_12447.jpg)
