We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.
Abigail AdamsRead
If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind whom should we serve?
Interpretation
What this quote means
We should dedicate our efforts to helping others rather than focusing solely on ourselves.
Abigail Adams emphasizes the necessity of selfless service to humanity. The quote challenges individuals to evaluate their priorities and urges them to contribute to the welfare of others, suggesting that serving the greater good is a fundamental responsibility of being human.
Themes
ServiceMankindSelflessnessContributionHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
During a charity event, one might say this quote to inspire volunteers.
More from Abigail Adams
All quotes βIf particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation.
Abigail AdamsRead
Great difficulties may be surmounted by patience and perseverance.
Abigail AdamsRead
I begin to think, that a calm is not desirable in any situation in life. Man was made for action and for bustle too, I believe.
Abigail AdamsRead
The habits of a vigorous mind are born in contending with difficulties.
Abigail AdamsRead
Well, knowledge is a fine thing, and mother Eve thought so; but she smarted so severely for hers, that most of her daughters have been afraid of it since.
Abigail AdamsRead
Similar quotes
Whether defending our nation as a Black Hawk pilot abroad or serving our veterans and those in need at home, my life has been enriched by the opportunities I've had to serve my country and fellow citizens, both in and out of uniform.
Tammy DuckworthRead
Service is the overflow which pours from a life filled with love and devotion.
Oswald ChambersRead
Service is the overflow which pours from a life filled with love and devotion. But strictly speaking, there is no call to that. Service is what I bring to the relationship and is the reflection of my identification with the nature of God.
Oswald ChambersRead
And in my own life, in my own small way, I've tried to give back to this country that has given me so much. That's why I left a job at a law firm for a career in public service, working to empower young people to volunteer in their communities. Because I believe that each of us - no matter what our age or background or walk of life - each of us has something to contribute to the life of this nation.
Michelle ObamaRead
What volunteers bring is the human touch, the individual, caring approach that no government program, however well-meaning and well- executed, can deliver.
Edward James OlmosRead
Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.
Mahatma GandhiRead