No one should approach the temple of science with the soul of a money changer.
Thomas BrowneRead
Be Charitable before wealth make thee covetous, and loose not the glory of the Mite.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Be generous and charitable before wealth leads to greed; don't underestimate small acts of kindness.
This quote by Thomas Browne emphasizes the importance of being charitable and generous, particularly before achieving significant wealth, as the pursuit of material gain can often lead to feelings of greed and selfishness. The phrase 'the glory of the Mite' suggests that even small contributions carry value and honor, encouraging us to appreciate and engage in acts of kindness regardless of their size, as they reflect our character and values.
Themes
CharityWealthGreedGenerositySelflessness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, to inspire others to donate their time and resources.
More from Thomas Browne
All quotes βContent may dwell in all stations. To be low but above contempt may be high enough to be happy.
Thomas BrowneRead
Thus there are two books from whence I collect my Divinity; besides that written one of God, another of his servant Nature, that universal and public Manuscript, that lies expans'd unto the eyes of all; those that never saw him in the one, have discovered him in the other.
Thomas BrowneRead
To be content with death may be better than to desire it.
Thomas BrowneRead
Life itself is but the shadow of death, and souls departed but the shadows of the living.
Thomas BrowneRead
The long habit of living indisposeth us for dying.
Thomas BrowneRead
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