There is no reason why humanity cannot be served equally by weighty and trivial motives.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Both serious and small reasons can drive people to serve humanity equally well.
- In plain terms
- Big and small motives can both lead to good service.
- What can you take from it?
- Don't dismiss small reasons for doing good work.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does the size of a motive matter if the result is good?
- What small reasons drive your best work?
Another view
Some motives may lead to more sustainable service than others.
More from Eric Hoffer
There is always a chance that he who sets himself up as his brother's keeper will end up by being his jail-keeper.
Permalink to quote #210 Those in possession of absolute power can not only prophesy and make their prophecies come true, but they can also lie and make their lies come true.
Permalink to quote #212 The uncompromising attitude is more indicative of an inner uncertainty than of deep conviction. The implacable stand is directed more against the doubt within …
Permalink to quote #209
Related quotes
Service is no mushroom growth. It presupposes the will first and then experience.
Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi quote #75 Ever since I was a little girl, I felt that I wanted to be of service here on the earth: I felt that was my job somehow. And whatever I was going to do, I was …
Gloria EstefanGloria Estefan quote #6 Private passions tire and exhaust themselves, public ones never.
Alphonse de LamartineAlphonse de Lamartine quote #14