WIST Quotations

Thoreau, Henry David -- Walden; or, Life in the Woods, ch. 1 “Economy” (1854)

Dave — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 23:17:01 +0000

There is no odor so bad as that which arises from goodness tainted. It is human, it is divine, carrion.

Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) American philosopher and writer
Walden; or, Life in the Woods, ch. 1 “Economy” (1854)
(Source)

Manning, Brennan -- The Furious Longing of God, ch. 7 “Healing” (2009)

Dave — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:09:03 +0000

To affirm a person is to see the good in them that they cannot see in themselves and to repeat it in spite of appearances to the contrary. Please, this is not some Pollyanna optimism that is blind to the reality of evil, but rather like a fine radar system that is tuned in to the true, the good, and the beautiful.

Brennan Manning (1934–2013) American author, laicized priest, theologian, speaker [Richard Francis Xavier Manning]
The Furious Longing of God, ch. 7 “Healing” (2009)
(Source)

Bible, Vol. 2. New Testament -- Book 9. Letter to the Galatians 5:22ff (Gal 5:22–23) [CEB (2011)]

Dave — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:23:15 +0000

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this.

[Ὁ δὲ καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματός ἐστιν ἀγάπη χαρὰ εἰρήνη, μακροθυμία χρηστότης ἀγαθωσύνη, πίστις πραΰτης ἐγκράτεια· κατὰ τῶν τοιούτων οὐκ ἔστιν νόμος.]

The Bible (The New Testament) (AD 1st - 2nd C) Christian sacred scripture
Book 9. Letter to the Galatians 5:22ff (Gal 5:22–23) [CEB (2011)]
(Source)

(Source (Greek)). Alternate translations:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
[KJV (1611)]

What the Spirit brings is very different: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against things like that, of course.
[JB (1966)]

On the other hand the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control; no law can touch such things as these.
[NJB (1985)]

But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these.
[GNT (1992 ed.)]

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.
[NRSV (2021 ed.)]

La Rochefoucauld, Francois -- Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims], ¶237 (1665-1678) [tr. Tancock (1959)]

Dave — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 22:35:25 +0000

Nobody deserves to be praised for goodness unless he is strong enough to be bad, for any other goodness is usually merely inertia or lack of will-power.

[Nul ne mérite d’être loué de bonté, s’il n’a pas la force d’être méchant: toute autre bonté n’est le plus souvent qu’une paresse ou une impuissance de la volonté.]

François VI, duc de La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680) French epigrammatist, memoirist, noble
Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims], ¶237 (1665-1678) [tr. Tancock (1959)]
(Source)

This passage was in the 1st (1665) edition, but as:

Nul ne mérite d’être loué de bonté, s’il n’a la force et la hardiesse d’être méchant: toute autre bonté n’est le plus souvent qu’une paresse ou une impuissance de la mauvaise volonté.

[... if he lacks the strength and boldness to be wicked ... impotence of ill will.]

In the manuscript, the last section read:

... toute autre bonté n’est en effet qu’une privation du vice, ou plutôt la timidité du vice, et son endormissement.

[... all other goodness is in fact only a deprivation of vice, or rather the timidity of vice, and its slumber.]

Compare to ¶¶ 387, 479, and 481. See also ¶169.

(Source (French)). Other translations:

No Man deserves to be commended for his Vertue, who hath it not in his Power to be Wicked; all other Goodness is Generally no better than Sloth, or an Impotence in the Will.
[tr. Stanhope (1694), ¶238]

None deserve the name of good, who have not spirit enough, at least, to be bad: goodness being for the most part but indolence or impotence.
[pub. Donaldson (1783), ¶197; ed. Lepoittevin-Lacroix (1797), ¶223]

None deserve the character of being good, who have not spirit enough to be bad.
[ed. Carvill (1835), ¶174]

No man deservers to be praised for his goodness unless he has strength of character to be wicked. All other goodness is generally nothing but indolence or impotence of will.
[ed. Gowens (1851), ¶248]

No one should be praised for his goodness if he has not strength enough to be wicked. All other goodness is but too often an idleness or powerlessness of will.
[tr. Bund/Friswell (1871), ¶237]

No one should be praised for benevolence if he is too weak to be wicked; most benevolence is but laziness or lack of willpower.
[tr. Heard (1917), ¶244]

Goodness deserves credit only in those who are strong enough to do evil. In other cases it is usually laziness or want of character.
[tr. Stevens (1939), ¶237]

No man should be praised for his goodness if he lacks the strength to be bad: in such cases goodness is usually only the effect of indolence or impotence of will.
[tr. FitzGibbon (1957), ¶237]

No one deserves praise for being good who lacks the power to do evil. Goodness, for the most part, is merely laziness or absence of will.
[tr. Kronenberger (1959), ¶237]

Nobody deserves to be praised for his goodness if he has not the power to be evil. All other goodness is most often but indolence or weakness of will.
[tr. Whichello (2016) ¶237]

Marcus Aurelius -- Meditations [To Himself; Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν], Book 7, ch. 59 (7.59) (AD 161-180) [tr. Staniforth (1964)]

Dave — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:02:55 +0000

Dig within. There lies the well-spring of good: ever dig, and it will ever flow.

[Ἔνδον σκάπτε, ἔνδον ἡ πηγὴ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ καὶ ἀεὶ ἀναβλύειν δυναμένη, ἐὰν ἀεὶ σκάπτῃς.]

Marcus Aurelius (AD 121–180) Roman emperor (161–180), Stoic philosopher
Meditations [To Himself; Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν], Book 7, ch. 59 (7.59) (AD 161-180) [tr. Staniforth (1964)]
(Source)

On how to turn accidents and misfortune into learning experiences and behavior he will approve of in himself.

(Source (Greek)). Alternate translations:

Look within; within is the fountain of all good. Such a fountain, where springing waters can never fail, so thou dig still deeper and deeper.
[tr. Casaubon (1634), 7.31]

Look Inwards, and turn over your self; For you have a lasting Mine of Happiness at home, if you will but Dig for't.
[tr. Collier (1701), 7.60]

Look inwards; within is the fountain of good; which is ever springing up, if you be always digging in it.
[tr. Hutcheson/Moor (1742)]

Look into your own bosom; for you have there a fountain of happiness, if you will searcyh for it, and suffer it to flow without interruption.
[tr. Graves (1792), 7.52]

Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig.
[tr. Long (1862)]

Look inwards, for you have a lasting fountain of happiness at home that will always bubble up if you will but dig for it.
[tr. Collier/Zimmern (1887)]

Dig within. Within is the fountain of good; ever dig, and it will ever well forth water.
[tr. Rendall (1898)]

Look inward. Within is the fountain of Good. Dig constantly and it will ever well forth.
[tr. Hutcheson/Chrystal (1902)]

Look within. Within is the fountain of Good, ready always to well forth if thou wilt always delve.
[tr. Haines (Loeb) (1916)]

Delve within; within is the fountain of good, and it is always ready to bubble up, if you always delve.
[tr. Farquharson (1944)]

Dig within; for within you lies the fountain of good, and it can always be gushing forth if only you always dig.
[tr. Hard (1997 ed.)]

Dig deep; the water -- goodness -- is down there. And as long as you keep digging, it will keep bubbling up.
[tr. Hays (2003)]

Dig inside yourself. Inside there is a spring of goodness ready to gush at any moment, if you keep digging.
[tr. Hammond (2006)]

Turn your attention within, for the fountain of all that is good lies within, and it is always ready to pour forth, if you continually delve in.
[tr. Needleman/Piazza (2008)]

Dig within; for within you lies the fountain of good, and it can always be gushing forth if only you always dig.
[tr. Hard (2011 ed.)]

Search inside yourself; inside you is the fountain of goodness, and it continues to surge as long as you search.
[ed. Taplin (2016)]

Billings, Josh -- Everybody’s Friend, Or; Josh Billing’s Encyclopedia and Proverbial Philosophy of Wit and Humor, ch. 281 “Variety: Bred and Butter” (1874)

Dave — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:58:40 +0000

This haz alwus bin the rule, and alwus will be — no man iz grate unless he iz good.

[This has always been the rule, and always will be — no man is great unless he is good.]

Josh Billings (1818–1885) American humorist, aphorist [pseud. of Henry Wheeler Shaw]
Everybody’s Friend, Or; Josh Billing’s Encyclopedia and Proverbial Philosophy of Wit and Humor, ch. 281 “Variety: Bred and Butter” (1874)
(Source)

Marcus Aurelius -- Meditations [To Himself; Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν], Book 11, ch. 15 (11.15) [tr. Needleman/Piazza (2008)]

Dave — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 19:31:54 +0000

The good and straightforward person should resemble one who stinks of goat, in the sense that whoever comes close will immediately sense him, whether they want to or not.

[τοιοῦτον ὅλως δεῖ τὸν ἁπλοῦν καὶ ἀγαθὸν εἶναι, οἶον γράσωνα, ἵνα ὁ παραστὰς ἅμα τῷ προσελθεῖν, θέλει οὐ θέλει, αἴσθηται.]

Marcus Aurelius (AD 121–180) Roman emperor (161–180), Stoic philosopher
Meditations [To Himself; Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν], Book 11, ch. 15 (11.15) [tr. Needleman/Piazza (2008)]
(Source)

(Source (Greek)). Other translations:

Such must he be for all the world, that is truly simple and good, as he whose arm-holes are offensive, that whosoever stands by, as soon as ever he comes near him, may as it were smell him whether he will or no.
[tr. Casaubon (1634), 11.14]

I would have Honesty so incorporated with the Constitution, so mixed up with the Blood and Spirits, that it should be discoverable by the Sences, and as easily distinguish'd as Rankness, or a strong Breath; so that a Man must be forced to find it out whether he would or no.
[tr. Collier (1701)]

The man of simplicity and goodness should, in this, resemble such as have a disagreeable smell in their arm-pits; his disposition should be perceived by all who approach him, whether they will or not.
[tr. Hutcheson/Moor (1742)]

A truly good and sincere man should be so palpably such, that no one could be a moment in his company or approach him, without being sensibly and necessarily convinced of it.*
*The expression in the original is rather coarse; which the translators have rather heightened than shorted as they might have done.
[tr. Graves (1792)]

The man who is honest and good ought to be exactly like a man who smells strong, so that the bystander as soon as he comes near him must smell whether he choose or not.
[tr. Long (1862)]

Goodness, true and simple, should be like musk, so redolent that, will-he nill-he, every one who draws near perceives its fragrance.
[tr. Rendall (1898)]

The straightforward, good man should be like one of rank odour who can be recognised by the passer by as soon as he approaches, whether he will or no.
[tr. Hutcheson/Chrystal (1902)]

The simple and good man should in fact be like a man who has a strong smell about him, so that, as soon as ever he comes near, his neighbour is, will-he nill-he, aware of it.
[tr. Haines (Loeb) (1916)]

The simple and good man ought to be entirely such, like the unsavoury man, that those who stand by detect him at once, whether he will or not, as soon as he comes near.
[tr. Farquharson (1944)]

Sincerity and goodness ought to have their own unmistakable odor, so that one who encounters this becomes straightaway aware of it despite himself.
[tr. Staniforth (1964)]

A good and honest man should be so right through, like one who smells like a goat, so that anyone who comes near him is immediately aware of it whether he wishes it or not.
[tr. Hard (1997 ed.)]

A straightforward, honest person should be like someone who stinks: when you're in the same room as them, you know it.
[tr. Hays (2003)]

In short, the good and honest man should have the same effect as the unwashed -- anyone close by as he passes detects the aura, willy-nilly, at once.
[tr. Hammond (2006)]

In short, a good and honest person should resemble one who smells like a goat in this respect, that anyone who comes near him is immediately aware of it whether he wishes it or not.
[tr. Hard (2011 ed.)]

A person who is honest and good is immediately seen as such even by people who were not looking for any such assurance.
[tr. McNeill (2019)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 267 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Dave — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 18:05:08 +0000

Not every great man is a great human being.

[Nicht jeder große Mann is ein großer Mensch.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 267 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Another translation:

Not every great man is a grand human being.
[tr. Wister (1883)]

Martial -- Epigrams [Epigrammata], Book 8, epigram 38 (8.38.7) (AD 94) [tr. Francis & Tatum (1924), ep. 415]

Dave — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 15:14:08 +0000

Being good is better far than seeming so.

[Refert sis bonus, an velis videri.]

Martial (AD c.39-c.103) Spanish Roman poet, satirist, epigrammatist [Marcus Valerius Martialis]
Epigrams [Epigrammata], Book 8, epigram 38 (8.38.7) (AD 94) [tr. Francis & Tatum (1924), ep. 415]
(Source)

(Source (Latin)). Alternate translations:

'Tis better bee, than seeme, good.
[16th C Manuscript]

'Tis not the same,
To covet and to merit a good name.
[tr. Hay (1755)]

Bounteous to be, or seem; the distance wide!
[tr. Elphinston (1782); Book 2, ep. 111]

It makes a difference whether a man is, or only wishes to seem, good.
[tr. Bohn's Classical (1859)]

It matters much whether thou'rt truly good, or would'st appear so.
[ed. Harbottle (1897)]

Wide is the difference 'twixt goodness and pretence.
[tr. Ker (1919)]

... the great gulf ’twixt goodness and pretence.
[tr. Pott & Wright (1921)]

There is a difference between goodness and pretence.
[tr. Shackleton Bailey (1993)]

Gracián, Baltasar -- The Art of Worldly Wisdom [Oráculo Manual y Arte de Prudencia], § 120 (1647) [tr. Maurer (1992)]

Dave — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 17:47:52 +0000

Count heads. That is what matters in all things. When you must, follow the common taste, and make your way toward eminence. The wise should adapt themselves to the present, even when the past seems more attractive, both in the clothes of the soul and of the body. This rule for living holds for everything but goodness, for one must always practice virtue.

[El gusto de las cabeças haze voto en cada orden de cosas. Ésse se ha de seguir por entonces, y adelantar a eminencia. Acomódese el cuerdo a lo presente, aunque le parezca mejor lo pasado, así en los arreos del alma como del cuerpo. Sólo en la bondad no vale esta regla de vivir, que siempre se ha de practicar la virtud.]

Baltasar Gracián y Morales (1601–1658) Spanish Jesuit priest, writer, philosopher
The Art of Worldly Wisdom [Oráculo Manual y Arte de Prudencia], § 120 (1647) [tr. Maurer (1992)]
(Source)

(Source (Spanish)). Other translations:

Let a prudent man accommodate himself to the present, whether as to body, or mind, though the past may even seem better unto him. In manners onely that rule is not to be observed, seeing vertue is at all times to be practised.
[Flesher ed. (1685)]

In everything the taste of the many carries the votes; for the time being one must follow it in the hope of leading it to higher things. In the adornment of the body as of the mind adapt yourself to the present, even though the past appear better. But this rule does not apply to kindness, for goodness is for all time.
[tr. Jacobs (1892)]

The choice of the many carries the vote in every field. For the time being, therefore, it must be bowed to, in order to bring it to higher level: the man of wisdom accommodates himself to the present, even though the past seems better, alike in the dress of his spirit, as in the dress of his body. Only in the matter of being decent does this rule of life not apply, for virtue should be practiced eternally.
[tr. Fischer (1937)]

Montaigne, Michel de -- Essays, Book 1, ch. 24 (1.24), “Of Pedantry [Du pedantisme]”(1572-1578) [tr. Ives (1925), ch. 25]

Dave — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 17:55:03 +0000

All other knowledge is harmful to him who has not the knowledge of goodness.

[Toute autre science, est dommageable à celuy qui n’a la science de la bonté.]

Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592) French essayist
Essays, Book 1, ch. 24 (1.24), “Of Pedantry [Du pedantisme]”(1572-1578) [tr. Ives (1925), ch. 25]
(Source)

While the original essay dates back to 1572-1578 and the first edition, this passage was added 1588–1592 for the 1595 edition. Some translators use the 1588 sequence of chapters, not the 1595, and so identify this as ch. 25.

(Source (French)). Other translations:

Each other science is prejudciall unto him that hath not the science of goodnesse.
[tr. Florio (1603)]

All other knowledge is detrimental to him who has not the science of becoming a good man.
[tr. Cotton (1686); Friswell (1868)]

All other knowledge is hurtful to him who has not the science of goodness.
[tr. Cotton/Hazlitt (1877)]

All other learning is hurtful to him who has not the knowledge of honesty and goodness.
[tr. Rector (1899)]

Any other knowledge is harmful to a man who has not the knowledge of goodness.
[tr. Frame (1943), ch. 25]

All other knowledge is harmful in a man who has no knowledge of what is good.
[tr. Screech (1987), ch. 25]

Pratchett, Terry -- Discworld No. 39, Snuff (2011)

Dave — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 15:48:49 +0000

Goodness is about what you do. Not who you pray to.

Terry Pratchett (1948–2015) English author
Discworld No. 39, Snuff (2011)

Democritus -- Frag. 69 (Diels) [tr. @sententiq (2018), fr. 68]

Dave — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 18:52:07 +0000

Truth and goodness are the same for all people. But pleasure varies from one to another.

Ἀνθρώποις πᾶσι τωὐτὸν ἀγαθὸν καὶ ἀληθές· ἡδὺ δὲ ἄλλωι ἄλλο.

Democritus (c. 460 BC - c. 370 BC) Greek philosopher
Frag. 69 (Diels) [tr. @sententiq (2018), fr. 68]
(Source)

Diels citation "69. (6 N.) DEMOKRATES. 34.". Freeman notes this as one of the Gnômae, from a collection called "Maxims of Democratês," but because Stobaeus quotes many of these as "Maxims of Democritus," they are generally attributed to the latter. Other translations:

"For all men, good and true are the same; but pleasant differs for different men." [tr. Freeman (1948)]
"The same thing is good and true for all men. But what is pleasant differs from one to another." [Warren (2008)]
"Goodness and truth are the same for all men: but pleasure differs from man to man." [Source]

Kubler-Ross, Elisabeth -- Death: The Final Stage of Growth (1975)

Dave — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 16:16:31 +0000

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (1926–2004) Swiss-American psychiatrist, author
Death: The Final Stage of Growth (1975)
(Source)

Brooks, Phillips -- Sermons, Vol. 1

Dave — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 03:51:17 +0000

No man or woman of the humblest sort can really be strong, gentle, pure, and good, without the world being the better for it, without somebody being helped and comforted by the very existence of that goodness.

Phillips Brooks (1835–1893) American clergyman, hymnist
Sermons, Vol. 1
(Source)

Brust, Steven -- Orca [Kiera] (1996)

Dave — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 17:53:46 +0000

He’s a good person, you know. In spite of many things, including his own opinion, he’s a good person. Maybe a bit conceited, overbearing, and arrogant, but then, people without a trace of these diseases aren’t usually worth one’s time.

Steven Brust (b. 1955) American writer, systems programmer
Orca [Kiera] (1996)

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques -- Emile, ch. 4 (1762) [tr. Foxley (1911)]

Dave — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 14:18:28 +0000

By doing good we become good.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) French philosopher and writer
Emile, ch. 4 (1762) [tr. Foxley (1911)]

Brecht, Bertholt -- The Good Person of Szechwan [Der gute Mensch von Sezuan], Scene 1a (1941) [tr. Bentley (1947)]

Dave — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 16:38:36 +0000

FIRST GOD: Show interest in her goodness — for no one can be good for long if goodness is not in demand.

Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956) German poet, playwright, director, dramaturgist
The Good Person of Szechwan [Der gute Mensch von Sezuan], Scene 1a (1941) [tr. Bentley (1947)]

Dunne, Finley Peter -- Observations by Mr. Dooley, “Hypocrisy” (1902)

Dave — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 14:00:21 +0000

It must be a good thing to be good or ivrybody wudden’t be pretendin’ he was.

[It must be a good thing to be good, or everybody wouldn’t be pretending he was.]

Finley Peter Dunne (1867–1936) American humorist and journalist
Observations by Mr. Dooley, “Hypocrisy” (1902)

Marcus Aurelius -- Meditations [To Himself; Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν], Book 10, ch. 16 (10.16) (AD 161-180) [tr. Staniforth (1964)]

Dave — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 15:45:17 +0000

Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.

[Μηκέθ̓ ὅλως περὶ τοῦ οἷόν τινα εἶναι τὸν ἀγαθὸν ἄνδρα διαλέγεσθαι, ἀλλὰ εἶναι τοιοῦτον.]

Marcus Aurelius (AD 121–180) Roman emperor (161–180), Stoic philosopher
Meditations [To Himself; Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν], Book 10, ch. 16 (10.16) (AD 161-180) [tr. Staniforth (1964)]
(Source)

(Source (Greek)). Other translations:

Make it not any longer a matter of dispute or discourse, what are the signs and proprieties of a good man, but really and actually to be such.
[tr. Casaubon (1634), 10.18]

Notion without Practice is Impertinence; spend no more time then in stating the Qualifications of a Man of Virtue, but endeavour to get them.
[tr. Collier (1701)]

Spend your time no longer, in discoursing on what are the qualities of the good-man; but in actually being such.
[tr. Hutcheson/Moor (1742)]

Lose no more time in disputing about the definition of a good man, but endeavour yourself to be one.
[tr. Graves (1792)]

No longer talk at all about the kind of man that a good man ought to be, but be such.
[tr. Long (1862)]

Spend no more time in stating the qualifications of a man of virtue, but endeavour to get them.
[tr. Collier/Zimmern (1887)]

No more mere talk of what the good man should be. Be it!
[tr. Rendall (1898)]

Discourse no more of what a good man should be; but be one.
[tr. Hutcheson/Chrystal (1902)]

Put an end once for all to this discussion of what a good man should be, and be one.
[tr. Haines (Loeb) (1916)]

Don't any more discuss at large what the good man is like, but be good.
[tr. Farquharson (1944)]

No more of all this talk about what a good man should be, but simply be one!
[tr. Hard (1997 ed.)]

To stop talking about what the good man is like, and just be one.
[tr. Hays (2003)]

No more roundabout discussion of what makes a good man. Be one!
[tr. Hammond (2006)]

Stop philosophizing about what a good man is and be one.
[tr. Needleman/Piazza (2008)]

No more of all this talk about what a good man should be, but simply be one!
[tr. Hard (2011 ed.)]

Pasternak, Boris -- Doctor Zhivago [До́ктор Жива́го], Part 2, ch. 8 “Arrival,” sec. 5 [Yury] (1955) [tr. Hayward & Harari (1958), US ed.]

Dave — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 16:47:43 +0000

I used to be very revolutionary, but now I think that nothing can be gained by brute force. People must be drawn to good by goodness.

Boris Pasternak (1890–1960) Russian poet, novelist, and literary translator
Doctor Zhivago [До́ктор Жива́го], Part 2, ch. 8 “Arrival,” sec. 5 [Yury] (1955) [tr. Hayward & Harari (1958), US ed.]
(Source)

Other translations:

I used to be very revolutionary-minded, but now I think that nothing can be gained by violence. People must be drawn to good by goodness.
[tr. Hayward & Harari (1958), UK ed.]

I used to be in a very revolutionary mood, but now I think that we'll gain nothing by violence. People must be drawn to the good by the good.
[tr. Pevear & Volokhonsky (2010)]

Johnson, Samuel -- Essay (1750-03-31), The Rambler, No. 4

Dave — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 19:39:15 +0000

That observation which is called knowledge of the world will be found much more frequently to make men cunning than good.

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) English writer, lexicographer, critic
Essay (1750-03-31), The Rambler, No. 4
(Source)

Emerson, Ralph Waldo -- Essay (1841), “Self-Reliance,” Essays: First Series, No. 2

Dave — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:13:44 +0000

Whoso would be a man, must be a nonconformist. He who would gather immortal palms must not be hindered by the name of goodness, but must explore if it be goodness. Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) American essayist, lecturer, poet
Essay (1841), “Self-Reliance,” Essays: First Series, No. 2
(Source)

This essay was inspired by his reading of Walter Savage Landor in 1833, with passages pulled from his lecture "Individualism," last in his course on "The Philosophy of History" (1836–1837), with other passages from the lectures "School," "Genius," and "Duty" in his course on "Human Life" (1838–1839).

Emerson, Ralph Waldo -- Essay (1841), “Self-Reliance,” Essays: First Series, No. 2

Dave — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 16:02:52 +0000

Your goodness must have some edge to it, — else it is none.

King, Martin Luther -- “The Christian Way of Life in Human Relations,” speech, General Assembly fo the National Council of Churches, St Louis (4 Dec 1957)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

It may well be that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition is not the glaring noisiness of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people. It may be that our generation will have repent not only for the diabolical actions and vitriolic words of the children of darkness, but also for the crippling fears and tragic apathy of the children of light.

Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968) American clergyman, civil rights leader, social activist, preacher
“The Christian Way of Life in Human Relations,” speech, General Assembly fo the National Council of Churches, St Louis (4 Dec 1957)
(Source)

Often paraphrased: "We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people." See also here.

Montaigne, Michel de -- Essays, Book 1, ch. 14 (1.14), “The Taste of Good and Bad Things Depends Mostly on the Opinion We Have of Them [Que le goust des biens et des maux despend en bonne partie de l’opinion que nous en avons]” (1572) [tr. Screech (1987)]

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Trust in another’s goodness is no light testimony to one’s own.

[La fiance de la bonté d’autruy, est un non leger tesmoignage de la bonté propre]

Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592) French essayist
Essays, Book 1, ch. 14 (1.14), “The Taste of Good and Bad Things Depends Mostly on the Opinion We Have of Them [Que le goust des biens et des maux despend en bonne partie de l’opinion que nous en avons]” (1572) [tr. Screech (1987)]
(Source)

Writing admirably of an elderly prelate who had turned over management of his household and wealth to a succession of trusted servants.

This essay was in the 1st ed. (1580), but was expanded substantially for subsequent editions. This passage first appeared in the 3rd edition (1595). It is in Book 1, number 40 in most older translations; some more recent ones (as noted) number it as 14.

(Source (French)). Other translations:

The confidence in others honestie, is no light testimonie of ones owne integritie [Confidence in others’ honesty is no light testimony of one’s own integrity].
[tr. Florio (1603)]

The confidence of another Mans vertue, is no light evidence of a Mans own.
[tr. Cotton (1686)]

The confidence in another man's virtue is no light evidence of a man's own.
[tr. Cotton/Hazlitt (1877)]

Confidence in another's goodness is no slight testimony of one's own goodness.
[tr. Ives (1925), 1.14]

Confidence in the goodness of others is no slight testimony to one's own goodness.
[tr. Frame (1943), 1.14]

Trust in the goodness of others truly testifies to the goodness in ourselves.
[tr. HyperEssays (2025)]

Beecher, Henry Ward -- Life Thoughts: Gathered from the Extemporaneous Discourses of Henry Ward Beecher (1858)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Happiness is not the end of life, character is.

Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887) American clergyman and orator
Life Thoughts: Gathered from the Extemporaneous Discourses of Henry Ward Beecher (1858)

Shakespeare, William -- King Lear, Act 4, sc. 2, l. 47ff (4.2.47-48) (1606)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

ALBANY: Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile.
Filths savor but themselves.

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) English dramatist and poet
King Lear, Act 4, sc. 2, l. 47ff (4.2.47-48) (1606)
(Source)