A democracy,- that is a government of all the people, by all the people, for all the people; of course, a government of the principles of eternal justice, the unchanging law of God; for shortness' sake I will call it the idea of Freedom.
Let us do our duty in our shop or our kitchen, in the market, the street, the office, the school, the home, just as faithfully as if we stood in the front rank of some great battle, and knew that victory for mankind depended on our bravery, strength, and skill. When we do that, the humblest of us will be serving in that great army which achieves the welfare of the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We should perform our everyday tasks with the same dedication as if we were in a critical battle for a greater cause.
This quote by Theodore Parker emphasizes the importance of carrying out our daily responsibilities with sincerity and commitment. It encourages individuals to view their contributions, regardless of how mundane they may seem, as integral to the greater good of society. By recognizing that our actions can have a profound impact on the welfare of the world, we are inspired to approach our work with courage and determination, knowing that even the smallest contributions can lead to significant change.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to inspire employees to take pride in their work.
More from Theodore Parker
All quotes →Want and wealth equally harden the human heart, as frost and fire are both alien to the human flesh. Famine and gluttony alike drive away nature from the heart of man.
The books which help you most are those which make you think the most. The hardest way of learning is by easy reading; every man that tries it finds it so. But a great book that comes from a great thinker, — it is a ship of thought, deep freighted with truth, with beauty too.
No man is so great as mankind.
Outward judgment often fails, inward judgment never.
You may not, cannot, appropriate beauty. It is the wealth of the eye, and a cat may gaze upon a king.
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