This quote suggests that the qualities that make a good citizen are not necessarily the same as those that make a good person. A good citizen, in this context, is someone who abides by the laws and norms of their society, contributing to the common good and functioning well within the system. A good person, on the other hand, is someone who possesses moral virtues such as kindness, honesty, and integrity.

This distinction arises because societal norms and laws do not always align with personal morality. For example, a citizen might pay their taxes, vote, and participate in community service because these are the expectations of a ‘good citizen’, but they may not be kind or honest in their personal relationships. Conversely, a person might be morally virtuous but not a good citizen if they, for example, break laws they perceive as unjust.

In today’s world, this idea is still very applicable. We often see people who are respected in their professional lives but have flawed personal lives. For instance, a successful business person might be seen as a model citizen due to their economic contributions, but they might also be dishonest or unkind in their personal interactions.

In terms of personal development, this quote encourages us to strive for both citizenship and personal virtue. It suggests that being a good citizen – contributing to society, following laws, etc. – is important, but it’s not enough. We should also strive to be good people, treating others with kindness and respect, acting with integrity, and so on. This is a more holistic and fulfilling approach to personal growth.