It is well known to all great men, that by conferring an obligation they do not always procure a friend, but are certain of creating many enemies.
Henry FieldingRead
Let no man be sorry he has done good, because others concerned with him have done evil! If a man has acted right, he has done well, though along; if wrong, the sanction of all mankind will not justify him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
One should not regret doing good deeds, despite the wrongdoing of others.
Henry Fielding emphasizes the importance of personal integrity and the morality of one's actions. He suggests that individuals should take pride in their good deeds and not be swayed by the negative actions of others, asserting that right actions are valuable in themselves, regardless of the circumstances surrounding them. It is a reminder that moral choices define one's character, independent of external judgment or societal pressures.
Themes
GoodnessMoralityIntegrityActionsJudgment
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about ethics, this quote can inspire others to continue doing good despite challenges.
More from Henry Fielding
All quotes →It is not enough that your designs, nay that your actions, are intrinsically good, you must take care they shall appear so.
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A newspaper consists of just the same number of words, whether there be any news in it or not.
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He grew weary of this condescension, and began to treat the opinions of his wife with that haughtiuess and insolence, which none but those who deserve some contempt themselves can bestow, and those only who deserve no contempt can bear.
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Now in reality, the world has paid too great a compliment to critics, and has imagined them to be men of much greater profundity than they really are.
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It is much easier to make good men wise, than to make bad men good.
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