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When the end comes, you will be esteemed by the world and rewarded by God, not because you have won the love and respect of the princes of the earth, however powerful, but rather for having loved, defended and cherished one such as I... what you receive from others is a testimony to their virtue; but all that you do for others is the sign and clear indication of your own.

Giordano Bruno#18

SpiritualityEthicsLoveServiceVirtue

About this quote

What does it mean?
True worth comes from loving and defending others, not from winning the respect of powerful leaders. Actions done for others reveal one's own virtue.
In plain terms
People value you for how you treat others, not for who you know. Your kindness shows your character.
What can you take from it?
Serve others to show your true virtue.

Where it applies

  • ethical guidance
  • spiritual advice
  • personal conduct

Putting it to work

  • prioritize care over status
  • act to help others
  • seek divine approval

Questions to consider

  • What does your service say about you?
  • Is love more important than power?

Another view

It assumes divine reward exists and that worldly power is irrelevant to moral standing.

More from Giordano Bruno

  1. This entire globe, this star, not being subject to death, and dissolution and annihilation being impossible anywhere in Nature, from time to time renews itself…

    Permalink to quote #17
  2. To a body of infinite size there can be ascribed neither centre nor boundary... Thus the Earth no more than any other world is at the centre.

    Permalink to quote #19
  3. The universe comprises all being in a totality; for nothing that exists is outside or beyond infinite being, as the latter has no outside or beyond.

    Permalink to quote #16

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