Mix a little mystery with everything, for mystery arouses veneration.
Baltasar GracianRead
Nowhere is wisdom more necessary than in the guidance of charitable impulses. Meaning well is only half our duty; Thinking right is the other, and equally important, half.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Wisdom is essential in guiding our charitable actions, as good intentions alone are not sufficient.
This quote emphasizes the importance of not just having good intentions when it comes to charitable acts, but also the necessity of thoughtful consideration and wisdom in how we implement these impulses. Samuel Gridley Howe argues that understanding the implications and consequences of our charitable actions is as crucial as the desire to help, highlighting the dual responsibility of thinking correctly and acting with kindness.
Themes
WisdomCharityGuidanceIntentionsResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about philanthropy, you could quote this to emphasize the importance of thoughtful giving.
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