Careless their merits or their faults to scan, His pity gave ere charity began. Thus to relieve the wretched was his pride, And e'en his failings leaned to Virtue's side.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Goldsmith praises someone who judged others with pity and relief rather than strict moral scrutiny.
- In plain terms
- He was kind and helped the poor before judging their faults.
- What can you take from it?
- Compassion matters more than moral perfection.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is pity better than justice?
- How do we balance charity and standards?
Another view
Relief without discernment can enable bad behavior.
More from Oliver Goldsmith
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Permalink to quote #58 The watchdog's voice that bayed the whispering wind, And the loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind.
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