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Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something.
Henry David Thoreau
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Strive for a purpose beyond mere goodness; aim to contribute positively to the world.

This quote encourages individuals to look beyond conventional notions of morality and to pursue a deeper purpose. Thoreau suggests that simply being good is not enough; one should also aim to be good for a meaningful cause, emphasizing the importance of active engagement and contribution to society.

Themes

MoralityPurposeGoodnessServiceContribution

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about community service.

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Quote by Henry David Thoreau | QuoteProject