Skip to content

Family Quote by Iris Murdoch

“Goodness appears to be both rare and hard to picture. It is perhaps most convincingly met with in simple people - inarticulate, unselfish mothers of large families - but these cases are also the least illuminating.” quote by Iris Murdoch
Download Open image
““Goodness appears to be both rare and hard to picture. It is perhaps most convincingly met with in simple people - inarticulate, unselfish mothers of large families - but these cases are also the least illuminating.””

Iris Murdoch

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Sea, the Sea by Iris Murdoch, 1978

Goodness is rare and hard to visualize, often found in selfless mothers, yet those examples don't clarify its nature.

In simple terms: Goodness is rare, seen in selfless mothers, but unclear.

Key Takeaway

Seek deeper understanding beyond stereotypes.

Themes

morality family selflessness

Mood

contemplative thoughtful

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • community service
  • charitable work
  • ethical education

Key Concepts

ethical philosophy human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we recognize goodness in diverse people?
  • What limits our view of moral exemplars?
A Different Perspective

Selfless mothers are not exhaustive examples of goodness.

3.9 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Iris Murdoch

Explore all 306 Iris Murdoch quotes

More Family quotes

Browse all 36,913 Family quotes