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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.' That's all very well. But you must do something more. Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. Even if it's a little thing, do something for those who need help, something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here, too.

Albert Schweitzer#92

EthicsHumanityServiceCommunityPurposeAltruismWorkCharity

About this quote

What does it mean?
Living a decent life is not enough; one must actively seek to do good for others without expecting payment.
In plain terms
Do good for others whenever you can, even in small ways.
What can you take from it?
Serve others freely to realize your true worth.

Where it applies

  • daily decision-making
  • career choices
  • volunteering

Putting it to work

  • volunteer locally
  • help a neighbor
  • donate time

Questions to consider

  • How can I serve others today without expecting reward?
  • What defines my true worth?

Another view

Some may find it difficult to balance self-care with constant service.

More from Albert Schweitzer

  1. It is a man's sympathy with all creatures that truly makes him a man. Until he extends his circle of compassion to all living things, man himself will not find…

    Permalink to quote #91
  2. Let me give you a definition of ethics: It is good to maintain and further life - it is bad to damage and destroy life.

    Permalink to quote #93
  3. In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for …

    Permalink to quote #90

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