Who said “Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life. So aim above morality. Be…”?

Disputed

It's credited to Henry David Thoreau, but no reliable source from their lifetime has been found.

What the research foundNo reliable early source found for Henry David Thoreau.

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life. So aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.”
— Henry David Thoreau
DisputedNo reliable early source found for Henry David Thoreau. · evidenceMorality

Cite this quote

APA

“Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life. So aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.” [Quotation attributed to Henry David Thoreau]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/29817-do-not-be-too-moral-you-may-cheat/

MLA

“Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life. So aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.” Attributed to Henry David Thoreau. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/29817-do-not-be-too-moral-you-may-cheat/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life. So aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.” Attributed to Henry David Thoreau. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/29817-do-not-be-too-moral-you-may-cheat/.

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