Skip to content

Elementary school Quote by Natsume Soseki

“Now that I thought about it, though, I realized that most people actually encourage you to turn bad. They seem to think that if you don't, you'll never get anywhere in the world. And then on those rare occasions when they encounter somebody who's honest and pure-hearted, they look down on him and…” quote by Natsume Soseki
Download Open image
““Now that I thought about it, though, I realized that most people actually encourage you to turn bad. They seem to think that if you don't, you'll never get anywhere in the world. And then on those rare occasions when they encounter somebody who's honest and pure-hearted, they look down on him and say he's nothing but a kid, a Botchan. If that's the way it is, it would be better if they didn't have those ethics classes in elementary school and middle school where the teacher is always telling you to be honest and not lie. The schools might as well just go ahead and teach you how to tell lies, how to mistrust everybody, and how to take advantage of people. Wouldn't their students, and the world at large, be better off that way? Redshirt had laughed at me for being simpleminded. If people are going to get laughed at for being simpleminded and sincere, there's no hope. Kiyo never laughed at me for saying anything like what I said to Redshirt. She would have been deeply impressed by it. Compared to Redshirt, she's far and away the superior person.””

Natsume Soseki

About This Quote

Source Novel: Botchan by Natsume Soseki, 1906

Society often rewards cynicism and deceit, marginalizing honest individuals; the narrative questions whether teaching honesty truly benefits a corrupt world.

In simple terms: Honesty is scorned in a cynical society.

Key Takeaway

Value integrity over conformity.

Themes

ethics honesty social conformity education individualism

Mood

cynical thoughtful

Type

literary social commentary

When to use this quote

  • schools
  • workplace
  • political arena
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

moral philosophy social critique psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can integrity survive in a world that rewards deceit?
  • What alternatives exist for fostering genuine virtue?
A Different Perspective

Honesty may be punished, leading to disillusionment and loss of hope.

4.0 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Natsume Soseki

Explore all 53 Natsume Soseki quotes

More Elementary school quotes

Browse all 447 Elementary school quotes