The quote reflects on the essence of goodness as an internal quality that must be consciously chosen. It suggests that true moral character is not something that can be imposed externally but is a voluntary act stemming from within an individual. Hence, the decision to be good is integral to one's humanity.

Burgess emphasizes that when a person is stripped of the ability to make choices, especially moral choices, they lose a fundamental aspect of their humanity. This idea underscores the importance of free will in defining who we are and highlights that goodness is inherently linked to choice and personal agency.