Cleanliness Quote by William Ernest Hocking
“A person who wills to have a good will, already has a good will--in its rudiments. There is solid satisfaction in knowing that the mere desire to get out of an old habit is a material advance upon the condition of submergence in that habit. The longest step toward cleanliness is made when one gains--nothing but dissatisfaction with dirt.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ethics of Human Nature, William Ernest Hocking, 1917
Recognizing a desire to change a bad habit is already a moral improvement, even before the habit is broken.
In simple terms: Wanting to quit a habit shows moral progress.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge the desire as a first step.
Themes
morality
selfimprovement
habitchange
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- addiction recovery
- behavioral change
Key Concepts
ethical growth
selfawareness
Questions to Reflect On
- What small action can you take today to act on your dissatisfaction?
- How can you turn desire into measurable progress?
A Different Perspective
Desire alone may not lead to action without concrete plans.
