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About this quote

What does it mean?
Two people acting the same can be on opposite moral paths internally.
In plain terms
Outward behavior does not show true moral progress.
What can you take from it?
Focus on internal growth rather than outward appearance.

Where it applies

  • judging others
  • self-evaluation
  • moral coaching

Putting it to work

  • introspection
  • focus on motives

Questions to consider

  • Is your outward action aligned with your growth?
  • Can people look good while getting worse?

Another view

Behavior often reflects internal state better than we think.

More from George MacDonald

  1. The best thing you can do for your fellow, next to rousing his conscience, is - not to give him things to think about, but to wake things up that are in him; o…

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  2. What we call evil, is the only and best shape, which, for the person and his condition at the time, could be assumed by the best good.

    Permalink to quote #15
  3. The man that feareth, Lord, to doubt, In that fear doubteth thee.

    Permalink to quote #12

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