Genuine good taste consists in saying much in few words, in choosing among our thoughts, in having order and arrangement in what we say, and in speaking with composure.
Francois FenelonRead
The smallest things become great when God requires them of us; they are small only in themselves; they are always great when they are done for God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Small acts can have great significance when done with intention and for a higher purpose.
This quote emphasizes that actions that may seem trivial or insignificant in themselves can take on profound importance when they are performed for a greater purpose, specifically in service to God. It invites individuals to recognize the value in their contributions, no matter how small, and to perform them with devotion and love, as this transforms them into something meaningful and great.
Themes
Small ThingsGodGreatnessPurposeService
In practice
Example use cases
Motivational speech about the importance of everyday actions in a community service event.
More from Francois Fenelon
All quotes βTrue prayer is only another name for the love of God. Its excellence does not consist in the multitude of our words; for our Father knoweth what things we have need of before we ask Him. The true prayer is that of the heart, and the heart prays only for what it desires. To pray, then is to desire -- but to desire what God would have us desire. He who asks what he does not from the bottom of his heart desire, is mistaken in thinking that he prays.
Francois FenelonRead
The greatest of all crosses is self. If we die in part every day, we shall have but little to do on the last. These little daily deaths will destroy the power of the final dying.
Francois FenelonRead
How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak.
Francois FenelonRead
If we were faultless we should not be so much annoyed by the defects of those with whom we associate.
Francois FenelonRead
If the crowns of all the kingdoms of the empire were laid down at my feet in exchange for my books and my love of reading I would spurn them all.
Francois FenelonRead
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