Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.
Oliver GoldsmithRead
Whatever mitigates the woes, or increases the happiness of others, is a just criterion of goodness; and whatever injures society at large, or any individual in it, is a criterion of iniquity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Goodness is determined by its impact on the happiness of others, while iniquity is measured by its harm to society.
In this quote, Oliver Goldsmith emphasizes the moral philosophy that the true measure of goodness lies in actions that contribute to the well-being and happiness of others. Conversely, actions that cause harm to individuals or society as a whole are deemed unjust and signify iniquity. This perspective encourages individuals to consider the broader implications of their actions on the community and to strive for a societal standard that values the happiness and welfare of all members.
Themes
GoodnessHappinessSocietyMoralIniquity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about community service to highlight the importance of helping others.
More from Oliver Goldsmith
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Whatever the skill of any country may be in the sciences, it is from its excellence in polite learning alone that it must expect a character from posterity.
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Life at the greatest and best is but a froward child, that must be humored and coaxed a little till it falls asleep, and then all the care is over.
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Hope, like the gleaming taper's light,_x000D_ _x000D_ Adorns and cheers our way;_x000D_ _x000D_ And still, as darker grows the night,_x000D_ _x000D_ Emits a brighter ray.
Oliver GoldsmithRead
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