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About this quote

What does it mean?
Nobility, helpfulness, and goodness set humans apart from other creatures.
In plain terms
Being noble and kind distinguishes us.
What can you take from it?
Practice generosity and kindness.

Where it applies

  • community service
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • volunteering
  • ethical decision‑making

Questions to consider

  • What does true nobility look like in practice?

Another view

It idealizes humanity without acknowledging flaws.

More from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

  1. When young one is confident to be able to build palaces for mankind, but when the time comes one has one's hands full just to be able to remove their trash.

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  2. In der Kunst ist das Beste gut genug.

    Permalink to quote #7
  3. Getting along with women, Knocking around with men, Having more credit than money, Thus one goes through the world.

    Permalink to quote #4

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