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Goodness Quote by Mark Twain

“It made him feel a little uncomfortable sometimes when he reflected that the good little boys always died. He loved to live, you know, and this was the most unpleasant feature about being a Sunday-school-book boy. He knew it was not healthy to be good.” quote by Mark Twain
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““It made him feel a little uncomfortable sometimes when he reflected that the good little boys always died. He loved to live, you know, and this was the most unpleasant feature about being a Sunday-school-book boy. He knew it was not healthy to be good.””

Mark Twain

About This Quote

Source Short story: "The Mysterious Stranger", 1916

The narrator reflects that being overly good can be unhealthy, as it leads to discomfort and a sense of being out of place.

In simple terms: Being too good can feel unhealthy.

Key Takeaway

Embrace realistic self‑acceptance.

Themes

morality identity discomfort

Mood

pensive critical philosophical

Type

literary reflective

When to use this quote

  • school
  • personal development
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

psychology social expectation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it better to be good or authentic?
  • How to balance kindness with self‑care?
A Different Perspective

Excessive virtue may cause alienation.

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