Common decency Quote by Kurt Vonnegut
““I have had some experiences with love, or think I have, anyway, although the ones I have liked best could easily be described as "common decency". I treated somebody well for a little while, or even for a tremendously long time, and that person treated me well in return. Love need not have anything to do with it. (...) Love is where you find it. I think it is foolosh to go looking for it, and I think it can often be poisonous. I wish that people who are conventionally supposed to love each other would say to each other, when they fight, "Please - a little less love, and a little more common decency".””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Paris Review, 1977
Love is best expressed through mutual respect and basic kindness rather than grand gestures; seeking it obsessively can be harmful.
In simple terms: Love thrives on decency, not pursuit.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize respect over romance.
Themes
relationships
respect
love
communication
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- long‑term partnerships
- friendships
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
human nature
emotional health
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you foster decency in relationships?
- When does love become a burden?
A Different Perspective
Love can become toxic if idealized; balance is essential.
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