Bad man Quote by Vasily Grossman
“Good men and bad men alike are capable of weakness. The difference is simply that a bad man will be proud all his life of one good deed - while an honest man is hardly aware of his good acts, but remembers a single sin for years on end.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman, 1959
People of all moral standings can be weak; pride and humility shape how we recall our deeds.
In simple terms: Everyone can be weak; pride hides good deeds, humility reveals sins.
Recognize humility and avoid excessive pride.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- teaching ethics
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you recall your good deeds or focus on failures?
- How does pride affect moral judgment?
Pride can blind self‑awareness, leading to moral complacency.