Character Quote by John Steinbeck
““There is a strange duality in the human which makes for an ethical paradox. We have definitions of good qualities and of bad; not changing things, but generally considered good and bad throughout the ages and throughout the species. Of the good, we think always of wisdom, tolerance, kindliness, generosity, humility; and the qualities of cruelty, greed, self-interest, graspingness, and rapacity are universally considered undesirable. And yet in our structure of society, the so-called and considered good qualities are invariable concomitants of failure, while the bad ones are the cornerstones of success…Perhaps no other animal is so torn between alternatives. Man might be described fairly adequately, if simply, as a two-legged paradox.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Paradox of Humanity, 1950
Human nature contains a conflict where traits deemed good often hinder success, while traits seen as bad can drive achievement.
In simple terms: Good traits can cause failure; bad traits can lead to success.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the complexity of moral traits in society.
Themes
ethics
human duality
success
failure
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- business leadership
- political decisionmaking
- personal development
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
sociology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance moral integrity with practical success?
- Are some “bad” traits necessary for progress?
A Different Perspective
Good traits may be context-dependent and not universally detrimental.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
