Skip to content

Character Quote by Walt Whitman

“What blurt is this about virtue and about vice? Evil propels me and reform of evil propels me, I stand indifferent, My gait is no fault-finder's or rejecter's gait, I moisten the roots of all that has grown.” quote by Walt Whitman
Download Open image
““What blurt is this about virtue and about vice? Evil propels me and reform of evil propels me, I stand indifferent, My gait is no fault-finder's or rejecter's gait, I moisten the roots of all that has grown.””

Walt Whitman

About This Quote

Source Poem: Leaves of Grass, 1855

The speaker reflects on moral ambiguity, the drive of evil, and a detached stance toward judgment, while nurturing growth.

In simple terms: Moral ambiguity and indifference to judgment, yet fostering growth.

Key Takeaway

Accept complexity and nurture development.

Themes

morality indifference growth

Mood

thoughtful contemplative

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal ethics
  • philosophical debate
  • creative writing
  • spiritual contemplation

Key Concepts

ethical duality existential reflection human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does indifference affect moral responsibility?
  • Can growth occur without judgment?
A Different Perspective

Such detachment may lead to apathy or lack of accountability.

4.9 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Walt Whitman

Explore all 775 Walt Whitman quotes

More Character quotes

Browse all 32,707 Character quotes