“On the whole, human beings want to be good, but not too good, and not quite all the time.”
- June 25, 1903 – January 21, 1950
- Born in India during the British colonial period
- Author, journalist
- Through his representative works “1984” and “Animal Farm,” he presented sharp criticism of totalitarianism and the abuse of power, greatly influencing contemporary literature and thought.
Quote
“On the whole, human beings want to be good, but not too good, and not quite all the time.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell presents a nuanced view of human nature, suggesting that while people generally strive to be moral or good, they often do so with limits. Orwell acknowledges that people desire to act in a way that is virtuous or moral, but they are reluctant to be too good—meaning, they are not always willing to make the full sacrifices or take the complete responsibility that true goodness might demand. Similarly, they do not wish to be good all the time, as this would require a level of self-discipline and consistency that may feel too burdensome or unnatural. Instead, there is a balance, where people want to maintain some degree of freedom or imperfection, indulging in their flaws or acting outside the realm of morality when it suits them.
Orwell’s view of human nature is shaped by his understanding of political power, social systems, and individual behavior. In his works, particularly in 1984 and Animal Farm, Orwell explores the complexities of human motivations within societal frameworks, where people may desire to be good or virtuous but are often limited by self-interest, external pressures, or institutional constraints. He recognizes that human beings are inherently flawed and that true moral integrity requires constant effort—which many may not be willing to sustain all the time.
This idea is still relevant today, especially when we consider the way individuals balance personal desires with societal expectations. In a world where perfection and moral purity are often idealized, Orwell’s quote reminds us that people typically seek moderation—acting morally in ways that are convenient or socially rewarded but not consistently or at the expense of personal comfort. It challenges us to think about the complexities of moral behavior and how society can encourage people to be their best selves without expecting unattainable levels of moral perfection.
