Beam Quote by George MacDonald
““. . . he would perhaps have known that to try too hard to make people good, is one way to make them worse; that the only way to make them good is to be good -- remembering well the beam and the mote; that the time for speaking comes rarely, the time for being never departs.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Lilith, by George MacDonald, 1895
Trying to force goodness on others can backfire; genuine goodness arises from personal example and humility.
In simple terms: Forceful moralizing harms; personal virtue inspires.
Key Takeaway
Lead by example, speak sparingly.
Themes
morality
humility
leadership
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- parenting
- management
- mentorship
- community building
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you model the behavior you wish to see?
- When is silence more powerful than advice?
A Different Perspective
If you push too hard, people may resist or act worse.
![“I wish I had [made that song]. No, I don't That would be to take it from somebody else. But it's mine for all that.' 'What makes it yours?' 'I love it so.' 'Does loving a thing make it yours?' 'I think so, Mother -- at least more than anything else can. . . . Love makes the only myness,' said…” quote by George MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/722/george-macdonald-295_love_i-wish-i-had-made-that-song-no-i-don-t-t_35103.jpg)
