Skip to content

Good Quote by George Orwell

“Most people want to be good, but not that good and not all the time.” quote by George Orwell
Download Open image
““Most people want to be good, but not that good and not all the time.””

George Orwell

About This Quote

Source Novel: 1984 by George Orwell, 1949

People desire moral excellence but avoid the effort and consistency required to achieve it fully.

In simple terms: People want to be good but avoid constant effort.

Key Takeaway

Accept that excellence needs ongoing commitment.

Themes

ethics motivation consistency

Mood

reflective serious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • career development
  • relationships
  • health habits

Key Concepts

human nature self‑regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What compromises are you willing to make for integrity?
  • How do you balance ambition with self‑care?
A Different Perspective

Sustained goodness can be exhausting and may clash with personal comfort.

4.7 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by George Orwell

Explore all 1,657 George Orwell quotes

More Good quotes

Browse all 34,783 Good quotes