Quote by Henry David Thoreau

The greater part of what my neighbors call good I believe in my soul to be bad, and if I repent of anything, it is very likely to be my good behavior. What demon possessed me that I behaved so well? You may say the wisest thing you can, old man, -- you who have lived seventy years, not without honor of a kind, -- I hear an irresistible voice which invites me away from all that.

The greater part of what my neighbors call good I believe in

Summary

In this quote, the speaker expresses their belief that what is commonly perceived as "good" by their neighbors is actually bad in their eyes. They contemplate if they should regret their own good behavior, questioning what drove them to behave in such a manner. Despite the opinions of the older, wiser individual who has lived a respectable life, the speaker hears a compelling voice that entices them to break free from societal expectations and norms. The quote suggests a desire for personal liberation and a questioning of the validity of conventional ideas of goodness.

Topics

Revolution

By Henry David Thoreau

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