It seems that fighting is a game where everybody is the loser.
Zora Neale HurstonRead
If you want that good feeling that comes from doing things for other folks then you have to pay for it in abuse and misunderstanding.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Doing good for others often comes with challenges and sacrifices.
This quote highlights the complex nature of altruism, suggesting that the joy derived from helping others is often accompanied by difficulties such as being taken for granted or misunderstood. Hurston implies that the positive feelings associated with altruistic actions do not come easily; they require endurance and the acceptance of possible emotional hardships.
Themes
AltruismSacrificeServiceUnderstandingEmpathy
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a speech about the importance of community service.
More from Zora Neale Hurston
All quotes →Lack of power and opportunity passes off too often for virtue.
Zora Neale HurstonRead
From barren brown stems to glistening leaf-buds; from the leaf-buds to snowy virginity of bloom…It was like a flute song forgotten in another existence and remembered again. What? How? Why? This singing she heard that had nothing to do with her ears. The rose of the world was breathing out smell. It followed her through all her waking moments and caressed her in her sleep.
Zora Neale HurstonRead
Someone is always at my elbow reminding me that I am the granddaughter of slaves. It fails to register depression with me.
Zora Neale HurstonRead
Don't you realize that the sea is the home of water? All water is off on a journey unless it's in the sea, and it's homesick, and bound to make its way home someday.
Zora Neale HurstonRead
Two things everybody's got tuh do fuh theyselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin' fuh theyselves.
Zora Neale HurstonRead
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