Who said “Be not simply good; be good for something.”?

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

Source checked · Something wrong? Report a correction

Cite this quote

APA

“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/35170-be-not-simply-good-be-good-for-something/

MLA

“Be not simply good; be good for something.” Attributed to Henry David Thoreau. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35170-be-not-simply-good-be-good-for-something/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“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/35170-be-not-simply-good-be-good-for-something/.