Sense shines with a double luster when it is set in humility. An able yet humble man is a jewel worth a kingdom.
William PennRead
True godliness does not turn men out of the world, but enables them to live better in it and excites their endeavors to mend it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True godliness helps individuals improve their lives and the world around them rather than withdrawing from it.
The quote by William Penn suggests that genuine spirituality or 'godliness' is not about escaping the challenges of the world or rejecting lifeβs complexities. Instead, it empowers individuals to engage with the world actively and strive for improvement, both personally and in their communities, inspiring them to contribute positively to society.
Themes
GodlinessServiceImprovementWorldSpirituality
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about community service, one might quote this to inspire volunteers.
More from William Penn
All quotes βWhere thou art Obliged to speak, be sure speak the Truth: For Equivocation is half way to Lying, as Lying, the whole way to Hell.
William PennRead
Man, being made reasonable, and so a thinking creature, there is nothing more worthy of his being than the right direction and employment of his thoughts; since upon this depends both his usefulness to the public, and his own present and future benefit in all respects.
William PennRead
Do good with what thou hast, or it will do thee no good.
William PennRead
To be a man's own fool is bad enough, but the vain man is everybody's.
William PennRead
Unless virtue guide us our choice must be wrong.
William PennRead
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Ah, what a sign it is of evil life, Where death's approach is seen so terrible!
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There may be more poetry than justice in poetic justice.
George WillRead