Associates Quote by Norman Vincent Peale
“They are inherently good -- the bad reactions aren't basic. Every human being is a child of God and has more good in him than evil -- but circumstances and associates can step up the bad and reduce the good. I've got great faith in the essential fairness and decency -- you may say goodness -- of the human being”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Power of Positive Thinking, 1952
Human nature is fundamentally good; external factors can diminish that goodness.
In simple terms: People are mostly good but can be swayed by surroundings.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate positive environments.
Themes
human nature
morality
optimism
Mood
hopeful
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- family upbringing
- workplace culture
- social circles
- personal development
Key Concepts
goodness
influence
faith
Questions to Reflect On
- What influences shape your moral choices?
- How can you reinforce positive habits?
A Different Perspective
Bad influences can outweigh innate goodness without conscious effort.
![“The young man [Turgot] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his studies, his reading, his professors, his associates, all were combined to keep from him any results of observation or reflection save those…” quote by Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d4/andrew-dickson-white-24254_associates_the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecc_3146.jpg)
