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About this quote

What does it mean?
Some moralists confuse character with conformity and dullness.
In plain terms
They think being good means being boring and unadventurous.
What can you take from it?
Character should not equal conformity.

Where it applies

  • moral discussions
  • education
  • self-improvement

Putting it to work

  • challenge dull norms
  • value originality
  • redefine virtue

Questions to consider

  • Is virtue always serious?
  • Does goodness require excitement?

Another view

Consistency can be mistaken for dullness.

More from Gilbert Keith Chesterton

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