Common good Quote by Donna Leon
““He looked down at the glass again. ‘I care that these things happen, that we poison ourselves and our progeny, that we knowingly destroy our future, but I do not believe that there is anything - and I repeat, anything - that can be done to prevent it. We are a nation of egoists. It is our glory, but it will be our destruction, for none of us can be made to concern ourselves about something as abstract as “the common good”. The best of us can rise to feeling concern for our families, but as a nation we are incapable of more.’ ‘I refuse to believe that.’ Brunetti said. ‘Your refusal to believe it,’ the Count said with a smile that was almost tender, ‘makes it no less true, Guido.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Death at La Fenice, 1999
Human selfishness hinders collective action for the common good, leading to environmental ruin.
In simple terms: Egoism blocks caring for future generations.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate collective responsibility.
Themes
environment
ethics
politics
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community organizing
- education
- activism
Key Concepts
tragedy
collective action
future generations
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies foster common‑good thinking?
- What incentives reduce egoistic behavior?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑rooted self‑interest is difficult.
