Be good Quote by Lin Yutang
“We should not expect people to be good, but should make it impossible for them to be bad.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Importance of Moral Education, 1935
Society should not assume inherent goodness, but design systems that prevent wrongdoing, making bad behavior impossible.
In simple terms: Design structures that stop bad actions.
Key Takeaway
Build safeguards, not just hope.
Themes
ethics
society
prevention
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community rules
- education programs
Key Concepts
institutional design
human nature
law
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms can deter bad behavior without oppression?
- How can we balance trust and control?
A Different Perspective
People may resist constraints, feeling their freedom is limited.
