The quote from Anthony Burgess's "A Clockwork Orange" raises an important philosophical question about the nature of goodness. It suggests that true goodness is an inherent quality that originates from within a person, rather than something that can be externally imposed through techniques or conditioning. This perspective emphasizes the importance of free will, implying that genuine moral behavior cannot exist without the ability to choose freely.

Burgess argues that when individuals are deprived of the capacity to make choices, they lose a fundamental aspect of their humanity. The essence of being human involves the freedom to make moral decisions, and without this autonomy, one cannot be truly considered good. This reflection invites readers to consider the implications of removing choice in the pursuit of morality, highlighting the complexity of moral behavior and the vital role of personal choice in defining one's character.