I gambled on having the strength to live two lives, one for myself and one for the world.
Ruth BenedictRead
A man's indebtedness is not virtue; his repayment is. Virtue begins when he dedicates himself actively to the job of gratitude.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True virtue is shown through actions of gratitude rather than mere acknowledgment of indebtedness.
This quote expresses the idea that simply being in someone's debt does not equate to being virtuous. Instead, true virtue is demonstrated through the act of repaying that debt and showing genuine gratitude. It emphasizes the importance of taking active steps to appreciate and acknowledge the support received from others, highlighting that virtue is found in commitment to gratitude and acts of kindness.
Themes
GratitudeVirtueIndebtednessRepaymentActions
In practice
Example use cases
Introducing a speech about the importance of acknowledging the help we've received.
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If we justify war, it is because all peoples always justify the traits of which they find themselves possessed, not because war will bear an objective examination of its merits
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The adequate study of culture, our own and those on the opposite side of the globe, can press on to fulfillment only as we learn today from the humanities as well as from the scientists.
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