Nature Quote by Stephen R. Covey
““Deathbed confession or mere ordinance work do not change man’s nature. This is the reason Satan’s plan to force everyone to be good would have failed, for there could never be a returning to the presence of the Eternal Father without a testing in the face of opposites and temptation and without the continuous choosing of the highest good over lesser goods and over evil. Any other approach to salvation ignores this process of growth and turns it all into some kind of an arbitrary and awesome mystery that, to many, is the hallmark of spirituality.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey, 1989
Human nature remains unchanged by a single act; moral growth requires continual testing and choosing the higher good over lesser temptations.
In simple terms: Goodness requires ongoing choices, not one‑off deeds.
Key Takeaway
Embrace continual moral testing.
Themes
ethics
spirituality
personal growth
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- daily decisions
- leadership challenges
- ethical dilemmas
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
free will
temptation
moral development
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you confront everyday temptations?
- What habits help you choose higher good?
A Different Perspective
One act cannot erase deeper flaws; sustained effort is needed.
