Be good Quote by Orson Scott Card
“In philosophy class I think we finally decided that 'good' is an infinitely recursive term - it can't be defined except in terms of itself. Good is good because it's better than bad, though why it's better to be good than bad depends on how you define good, and on and on.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Writing Workshop, 2015
Good is defined recursively, relying on its contrast with bad, making its definition circular.
In simple terms: Good is defined by being better than bad, but that definition loops.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that some concepts are self‑referential and explore their implications.
Themes
philosophy
language
definition
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- ethical debates
- critical thinking
- academic discussion
Key Concepts
recursive logic
semantic analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we navigate circular definitions?
- Can we accept some concepts as inherently self‑referential?
A Different Perspective
May lead to endless debate without resolution.
