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About this quote

What does it mean?
Charity and justice should start with those closest to you before extending outward to others.
In plain terms
Start helping those near you before trying to help others.
What can you take from it?
Help your immediate circle before reaching further out.

Where it applies

  • social work
  • personal ethics
  • resource allocation

Putting it to work

  • help neighbors first
  • balance local and global aid
  • fix home issues first

Questions to consider

  • Where should your helping start?
  • Is helping neighbors more important than strangers?

Another view

Sometimes urgent needs exist outside your immediate circle.

More from Charles Dickens

  1. Rich folks may ride on camels, but it an't so easy for 'em to see out of a needle's eye. That is my comfort, and I hope I knows it.

    Permalink to quote #69
  2. Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration.

    Permalink to quote #71
  3. Buy an annuity cheap, and make your life interesting to yourself and everybody else that watches the speculation.

    Permalink to quote #68

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