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Goodness Quote by Deszo Koszstolanyi

“Goodness preaches constantly, wants to change humanity, to work miracles from one day to the next, makes a show of its substance, wants to question essentials, but in fact is most often just hollow, lacking in substance, essence itself. A good word which has not yet been put into practice holds…” quote by Deszo Koszstolanyi
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““Goodness preaches constantly, wants to change humanity, to work miracles from one day to the next, makes a show of its substance, wants to question essentials, but in fact is most often just hollow, lacking in substance, essence itself. A good word which has not yet been put into practice holds within itself every virgin possibility and is more than a good deed, the outcome of which is dubious, its effect arguable. In general words are always more than deeds.””

Deszo Koszstolanyi

About This Quote

Source Novel: Esti Kornél by Dezső Kosztolányi, 1933

Kosztolányi critiques performative goodness, arguing that preached virtue is hollow, while an unacted good word holds infinite possibility and can outshine dubious deeds.

In simple terms: Words not yet acted on are more powerful than flawed deeds.

Key Takeaway

Keep words full of promise by not preaching.

Themes

goodness hypocrisy words versus deeds moral philosophy potentiality

Mood

thought-provoking skeptical philosophical

Type

philosophical reflection aphorism critique

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • ethical debates
  • writing
  • personal integrity

Key Concepts

performative morality intention versus action possibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have your words outshone your actions?
  • Is an unrealized good word truly more valuable than an imperfect deed?
A Different Perspective

Words without action can become empty excuses for inaction.

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