Skip to content

Be good Quote by Dorothy Rowe

“We would like to believe that we are not in the business of surviving but in being good, and we do not like to admit to ourselves that we are good in order to survive.” quote by Dorothy Rowe
Download Open image
“We would like to believe that we are not in the business of surviving but in being good, and we do not like to admit to ourselves that we are good in order to survive.”

Dorothy Rowe

About This Quote

Source Book: The Myth of the Normal: Understanding the Human Condition, Dorothy Rowe, 1995

We often deny our own goodness to justify survival, avoiding the discomfort of acknowledging moral virtue.

In simple terms: People hide their goodness to feel safe.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and own your goodness.

Themes

self-awareness morality survival denial

Mood

reflective introspective

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • team leadership
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

psychology ethical self-concept

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does acknowledging goodness affect your sense of safety?
  • What risks arise from hiding moral strengths?
A Different Perspective

Admitting goodness may expose vulnerability and invite exploitation.

4.2 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Dorothy Rowe

Explore all 11 Dorothy Rowe quotes

More Be good quotes

Browse all 1,747 Be good quotes