Good is something you do, not something you talk about. Some medals are pinned to your soul, not to your jacket.
Interpretation
True goodness is demonstrated through actions rather than mere words, and some achievements are intrinsically valuable rather than publicly recognized.
Gino Bartali's quote emphasizes the importance of action over mere discussions about goodness. It suggests that the true measure of a person's character lies in what they do to help others rather than what they say or how society recognizes their contributions. The mention of medals pinned to the soul underscores the idea that some accomplishments—like acts of kindness—are deeply meaningful on a personal level, even if they go unnoticed by the world at large.
In practice
In a motivational speech about community service, this quote can inspire listeners to take action.
We can be thankful to a friend for a few acres or a little money; and yet for the freedom and command of the whole earth, and for the great benefits of our being, our life, health, and reason, we look upon ourselves as under no obligation.
Why can't we simply borrow what is useful to us from Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, especially Zen, as we borrow from Christianity, science, American Indian traditions and world literature in general, including philosophy, and let the rest go hang? Borrow what we need but rely principally upon our own senses, common sense and daily living experience.
Politeness of the mind is to have delicate thoughts
If you see Allah, Mighty and Magnificent, holding back this world from you, frequently trying you with adversity and tribulation, know that you hold a great status with Him. Know that He is dealing with you as He does with His Awliya’ and chosen elite, and is watching over you.
In talking about the impact of ideas in one field on ideas in another field, one is always apt to make a fool of oneself.
This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or exercise their revolutionary right to overthrow it.
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