“Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness. People are just people, and all people have faults and shortcomings, but all of us are born with a basic goodness.”
- June 12, 1929 – February/March 1945
- German-Dutch
- Diarist, Holocaust Victim, Symbol of the Human Cost of War and Persecution
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Quote
“Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness. People are just people, and all people have faults and shortcomings, but all of us are born with a basic goodness.”
Explanation
Anne Frank’s words offer a profound and compassionate definition of true human greatness, placing it not in external measures like wealth or power, but in moral character and innate kindness. At a time when the world was being torn apart by hatred and brutality, her belief in the basic goodness of people is both astonishing and deeply moving. She insists that despite human flaws, we are all born with the potential for decency and virtue.
This quote reflects Anne’s hopeful humanism, formed in the shadow of war and genocide. Her recognition that “people are just people” shows a maturity that allows for human imperfection without cynicism. She does not idealize humanity, but she also refuses to give up on it. This balanced view—seeing both the shortcomings and the essential worth in every person—reveals a deeply ethical and empathetic outlook.
In today’s world, where success is often measured in status or influence, Anne’s reminder is a powerful corrective. It urges us to value integrity, compassion, and humility over ambition or dominance. Her belief in universal goodness challenges us to look for the best in ourselves and others, and to act from a place of shared humanity, even in times of division and uncertainty.
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