Killjoy Quote by Wendell Berry
“Not just self-restraint, that old killjoy, but communal restraint.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Idea of a Moral" in The New York Times, 1970
True freedom includes limits that protect the community, not just personal self‑control.
In simple terms: Community limits are also a form of freedom.
Key Takeaway
Balance personal desire with collective well‑being.
Themes
freedom
community
ethics
balance
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- family decisions
- environmental policies
Key Concepts
social contract
collective responsibility
self‑restraint
Questions to Reflect On
- What freedoms are lost when community rules dominate?
- How can we honor both self and group?
A Different Perspective
Excessive restraint can suppress individuality.
