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About this quote

What does it mean?
Serving the public good is an unavoidable duty for leaders and citizens.
In plain terms
The public interest must be served regardless of personal wishes.
What can you take from it?
Always prioritize the needs of the public.

Where it applies

  • civic duty
  • government role
  • volunteering

Putting it to work

  • community service
  • policy advocacy
  • volunteer work

Questions to consider

  • What is your duty to the public?
  • How do you serve your community?

Another view

The definition of 'public' can be contested or unclear.

More from William Penn

  1. Passion is a sort of fever in the mind, which ever leaves us weaker than it found us.

    Permalink to quote #16
  2. It is admirable to consider how many Millions of People come into, and go out of the World, Ignorant of themselves, and of the World they have lived in. (1)

    Permalink to quote #18
  3. It were endless to dispute upon everything that is disputable.

    Permalink to quote #15

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