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About this quote

What does it mean?
True humanity depends on compassion for all living beings.
In plain terms
Be kind to all creatures to be fully human.
What can you take from it?
Extend kindness to all life for peace.

Where it applies

  • animal welfare
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • support animal shelters
  • avoid wasteful consumption

Questions to consider

  • Who is outside your circle of care?

Another view

Humans may prioritize family or community first.

More from Albert Schweitzer

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  2. It is not enough merely to exist. It's not enough to say, 'I'm earning enough to support my family. I do my work well. I'm a good father, husband, churchgoer.'…

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  3. Impart as much as you can of your spiritual being to those who are on the road with you, and accept as something precious what comes back to you from them.

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