Thirty millions, mostly fools.
Thomas CarlyleRead
The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.
Interpretation
A good person's contributions are often unnoticed but essential for growth and nourishment.
This quote by Thomas Carlyle emphasizes the importance of the selfless acts performed by individuals who may not seek recognition. Just like an underground vein of water nourishes the soil without being seen, the hidden efforts of good people sustain and enhance the well-being of the community, illustrating that the impact of such kindness is profound yet often goes unacknowledged.
In practice
During a speech on community service, you can quote this to inspire others to recognize the value of hidden acts of kindness.
Thirty millions, mostly fools.
There is a great discovery still to be made in literature, that of paying literary men by the quantity they do not write.
For the superior morality, of which we hear so much, we too would desire to be thankful: at the same time, it were but blindness to deny that this superior morality is properly rather an inferior criminality, produced not by greater love of Virtue, but by greater perfection of Police; and of that far subtler and stronger Police, called Public Opinion.
Enjoying things which are pleasant; that is not the evil; it is the reducing of our moral self to slavery by them that is.
Clean undeniable right, clear undeniable might: either of these once ascertained puts an end to battle. All battle is a confused experiment to ascertain one and both of these.
Philosophy dwells aloft in the Temple of Science, the divinity of its inmost shrine; her dictates descend among men, but she herself descends not : whoso would behold her must climb with long and laborious effort, nay, still linger in the forecourt, till manifold trial have proved him worthy of admission into the interior solemnities.
One who not merely beholds the outward shows of things, but catches a glimpse of the soul that looks out of them, whose garment and revelation they are-if he be such, I say, he will stand, for more than a moment, speechless with something akin to that which made the morning stars sing together.
Some people write heavily, some write lightly. I prefer the light approach because I believe there is a great deal of false reverence about. There is too much solemnity and intensity in dealing with sacred matters; too much speaking in holy tones.
I went to collect the few personal belongings which...I held to be invaluable: my cat, my resolve to travel, and my solitude.
I do not know what the heart of a bad man is like. But i do know what the heart of a good man is like. And it is terrible.
Envy is one of the great enemies of active spirituality. It keeps us from loving our neighbours, from functioning with others in community, and from affirming people's unique worth. It also steals contentment from the heart. Is there anything or anyone you are envious of?
Everyone has a story; everyone hides his past as a means of self-preservation. Some just do it better, and more thoroughly, than others.
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