Justice Quote by Vera Brittain
“most of us have to be self-righteous before we can be righteous.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address, Vera Brittain, 1918
People often adopt a self‑righteous stance as a defensive posture before they can truly act with moral integrity.
In simple terms: Self‑righteousness can be a stepping stone to genuine righteousness.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and move beyond defensive moralizing.
Themes
morality
self‑awareness
growth
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- community building
Key Concepts
ethical development
psychology
social behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- What defenses do you use when faced with moral challenges?
- How can humility replace self‑righteousness?
A Different Perspective
Self‑righteousness may mask underlying insecurities, hindering authentic virtue.
![“[I] wondered if he was looking up at that same moon, far away, and thinking of me as I was thinking of him.” quote by Vera Brittain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b3f/vera-brittain-12183_looking_i-wondered-if-he-was-looking-up-at-that_455225.jpg)
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
