It may not be nice to be good, little 6655321. It may be horrible to be good. And when I say that to you I realize how self-contradictory that sounds. I know I shall have many sleepless nights about this. What does God want? Does God want goodness or the choice of goodness? Is a man who chooses the bad perhaps in some way better than a man who has the good imposed upon him? Deep and hard questions, little 6655321.
by Anthony Burgess
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The quote from "A Clockwork Orange" reflects the complex nature of morality and the choice between good and evil. The speaker contemplates whether being inherently good is better than having the freedom to choose goodness. This dilemma raises profound questions about human nature and the essence of moral agency. The character struggles with the idea that sometimes, being good isn't inherently pleasant or easy, leading to introspection about the true desires of God and the value of free choice.

This exploration suggests that the capacity to choose, even if one chooses poorly, could signify a deeper form of character than mere obedience to goodness. The questioning of whether a bad choice might hold more value than imposed goodness challenges traditional views on morality. Ultimately, the concerns expressed here indicate a philosophical struggle that invites readers to ponder the significance of choice in understanding what it means to be a moral being.

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February 02, 2025

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