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About this quote

What does it mean?
Hellman rejects false promises of nobility or harmony, promising only to do their best.
In plain terms
We cannot promise to be noble, only to try our best in life.
What can you take from it?
Commit to honest effort rather than impossible ideals.

Where it applies

  • making vows
  • moral reasoning
  • daily living

Putting it to work

  • setting realistic goals
  • personal integrity
  • leadership

Questions to consider

  • What can we truly promise?
  • How do you define a good life?

Another view

Some people do strive for higher ideals.

More from Lillian Hellman

  1. A man should be jailed for telling lies to the young.

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  2. Nothing, of course, begins at the time you think it did.

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  3. I am prepared to waive the privilege against self-incrimination and to tell you everything you wish to know about my views or actions if your committee will ag…

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