For an idea which, at first, does not seem absurd, there is no hope.
Albert EinsteinRead
Nowhere is wisdom more necessary than in the guidance of charitable impulses. Meaning well is only half our duty; Thinking right is the other, and equally important, half.
Interpretation
Wisdom is essential in guiding our charitable actions, as good intentions alone are not sufficient.
This quote emphasizes the importance of not just having good intentions when it comes to charitable acts, but also the necessity of thoughtful consideration and wisdom in how we implement these impulses. Samuel Gridley Howe argues that understanding the implications and consequences of our charitable actions is as crucial as the desire to help, highlighting the dual responsibility of thinking correctly and acting with kindness.
In practice
In a speech about philanthropy, you could quote this to emphasize the importance of thoughtful giving.
For an idea which, at first, does not seem absurd, there is no hope.
God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters.
But do you remember Gandalf’s words: Even Gollum may have something yet to do? But for him, Sam, I could not have destroyed the Ring. The Quest would have been in vain, even at the bitter end. So let us forgive him! For the Quest is achieved, and now all is over. I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam
Be generous with kindly words, especially about those who are absent.
When you're on your own, you have all the self-censorship that everybody has when they try and write. All the little voices that say, 'No, you can't write that, what will they think of that?'
The smallest atom of truth represents some man's bitter toil and agony; for every ponderable chunk of it there is a brave truth-seeker's grave upon some lonely ash-dump and a soul roasting in hell.
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