None of us can know what we are capable of until we are tested.
Elizabeth BlackwellRead
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
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.
In practice
In a speech about philanthropy, you could quote this to emphasize the importance of thoughtful giving.
None of us can know what we are capable of until we are tested.
Take care what words you speak that follow βI am.β In so speaking you create your life.
Some would find fault with the morning, if they ever got up early enough.. The fault find faults even in Paradise.
Wisdom consists in knowing what not to want as well as what to want.
I find my life is a lot easier the lower I keep everyone's expectations.
Now all of a sudden I'm so less interested in pretending to be a lot of other people, and much more interested in being me.
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