We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.
Abigail AdamsRead
If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind whom should we serve?
Interpretation
We should dedicate our efforts to helping others rather than focusing solely on ourselves.
Abigail Adams emphasizes the necessity of selfless service to humanity. The quote challenges individuals to evaluate their priorities and urges them to contribute to the welfare of others, suggesting that serving the greater good is a fundamental responsibility of being human.
In practice
During a charity event, one might say this quote to inspire volunteers.
We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.
If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation.
Great difficulties may be surmounted by patience and perseverance.
I begin to think, that a calm is not desirable in any situation in life. Man was made for action and for bustle too, I believe.
The habits of a vigorous mind are born in contending with difficulties.
Well, knowledge is a fine thing, and mother Eve thought so; but she smarted so severely for hers, that most of her daughters have been afraid of it since.
Whether defending our nation as a Black Hawk pilot abroad or serving our veterans and those in need at home, my life has been enriched by the opportunities I've had to serve my country and fellow citizens, both in and out of uniform.
Service is the overflow which pours from a life filled with love and devotion. But strictly speaking, there is no call to that. Service is what I bring to the relationship and is the reflection of my identification with the nature of God.
All missionaries, younger and older, serve with the sole hope of making life better for other people.
I am not influenced by the expectation of promotion or pecuniary reward. I wish to be useful, and every kind of service necessary for the public good, becomes honorable by being necessary. If the exigencies of my country demand a peculiar service, its claim to perform that service are imperious.
I'm benefitting from the sacrifices and seeds sown by Shirley Chisholm, John Lewis, and so many others. Those of us who are beneficiaries owe it to have a season of service in which we try to give back.
Missionaries serve to make life better for God's children.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.