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We do not work for men. We work for the land and the people. We do not even work for money.
Alan Paton
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes that our efforts should be aligned with the greater good of society and the environment rather than personal gain.

Alan Paton's quote highlights the idea that our work should be directed towards serving the community and the land itself, rather than merely for the benefit of individuals or profit. It suggests that true fulfillment comes from contributing to the well-being of people and the preservation of the earth rather than accumulating wealth or status. This perspective invites a sense of purpose in our endeavors, implying that our actions should reflect a commitment to collective progress and sustainability.

Themes

WorkCommunityPurposeLandPeople

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech at a charity event, one might say, 'As Alan Paton once stated, we do not work for men, but for the land and the people, highlighting the importance of our contributions to society.'

More from Alan Paton

Cry, the beloved country, for the unborn child that's the inheritor of our fear. Let him not love the earth too deeply. Let him not laugh too gladly when the water runs through his fingers, nor stand too silent when the setting sun makes red the veld with fire. Let him not be too moved when the birds of his land are singing. Nor give too much of his heart to a mountain or a valley. For fear will rob him if he gives too much.
Alan PatonRead
Ask yourself not if this or that is expedient, but if it is right.
Alan PatonRead
One day in Johannesburg, and already the tribe was being rebuilt, the house and soul being restored.
Alan PatonRead
What broke in a man when he could bring himself to kill another? What broke when he could bring himself to thrust down the knife into the warm flesh, to bring down the axe on the living head, to cleave down between the seeing eyes, to shoot the gun that would drive death into the beating heart?
Alan PatonRead
It is not permissible to add to one's possesions if these things can only be done at the cost of other men. Such development has only one true name, and that is exploitation.
Alan PatonRead
If you wrote a novel in South Africa which didn't concern the central issues, it wouldn't be worth publishing.
Alan PatonRead

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