Toni Morrison on Goodness

In fiction evil too often makes for blockbusters. Goodness is equated with weakness and lurks backstage.

So says Toni Morrison. She counts a some characters created by Faulkner, Melville, and Coetzee among her exceptions. But most contemporary literature, she believes, is not interested in goodness. The author's language can be beautiful, but it explores the corrupt.

Morrison said she does not find that interesting.

"Goodness is really and truly hard. You can't seduce it," the Nobel Prize winning writer told a reverent, excited audience of hundreds on March 7 at Cornell. "Writing about it and trying to find language for it is all I've ever done."

Morrison is a regal presence. She commands, speaking truth with grace. With a light touch, she takes your hand and leads you deeper into the sea of your heart than you thought anyone could help you go.

"You are a person, and deep down is this free person. That is the person you should use for good."

Watch President David Skorton's introduction

Hear Toni Morrison read from her new novel Home

Also view Morrison's lecture on Goodness: Altruism and the Literary Imagination delivered at the Harvard Divinity School in 2012.