My doctrine is this, that if we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt.
Anna SewellRead
There is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True religion centers on love and compassion for others, not just beliefs.
This quote by Anna Sewell emphasizes that the essence of any religion is rooted in love and kindness. It suggests that mere verbal declarations of faith are meaningless if they do not translate into actions that promote goodness towards all beings, including both humans and animals. Religion should inspire individuals to act with compassion and moral integrity, rather than merely serving as a set of beliefs or dogmas.
Themes
LoveReligionKindnessCompassionHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on interfaith dialogue.
More from Anna Sewell
All quotes →We call them dumb animals, and so they are, for they cannot tell us how they feel, but they do not suffer less because they have no words.
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What right had they to make me suffer like that?
Anna SewellRead
Why don't they cut their own children's ears into points to make them look sharp? Why don't they cut off their noses to make them look plucky? One would be just as sensible as the other. What right have they to torment and disfigure God's creatures?
Anna SewellRead
Do you know why this world is as bad as it is?... It is because people think only about their own business, and won't trouble themselves to stand up for the oppressed, nor bring the wrong-doers to light... My doctrine is this, that if we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt.
Anna SewellRead
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