Skip to content

Assumption Quote by Roger Scruton

“It is not enough to be nice; you have to be good. We are attracted by nice people; but only on the assumption that their niceness is a sign of goodness.” quote by Roger Scruton
Download Open image
“It is not enough to be nice; you have to be good. We are attracted by nice people; but only on the assumption that their niceness is a sign of goodness.”

Roger Scruton

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Politics of Beauty, 1999

Being merely pleasant is insufficient; true virtue requires moral goodness beyond surface niceness.

In simple terms: Nice is not enough; be good.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate integrity, not just charm.

Themes

ethics character virtue

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • leadership
  • community building

Key Concepts

moral philosophy social perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you differentiate kindness from goodness?
  • What actions demonstrate true virtue?
A Different Perspective

Nice behavior can mask lack of substance.

4.3 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Roger Scruton

Explore all 317 Roger Scruton quotes

More Assumption quotes

Browse all 1,277 Assumption quotes