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About this quote

What does it mean?
Suggesting that moral goodness was not the motivation for an action, implying selfishness or desire.
In plain terms
I did not do it to be good.
What can you take from it?
Actions are often driven by desire, not virtue.

Where it applies

  • relationships
  • business
  • personal choices

Putting it to work

  • be honest about motives
  • acknowledge desires

Questions to consider

  • Why do you do things?
  • Is morality always the motive?

Another view

It dismisses the value of doing good for its own sake.

More from Mae West

  1. Why don't you come up sometime and see me? ... Come on up, I'll tell your fortune.

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  2. Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. Peel me a grape.

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