What is the essence of theosophy? It is the fact that man, being himself divine, can know the divinity whose life he shares. As an inevitable corollary to this supreme truth comes the fact of the brotherhood of man.
Annie BesantRead
Someone ought to do it, but why should I? Someone ought to do it, so why not I? Between these two sentences lie whole centuries of moral evolution.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote challenges the distinction between moral obligation and personal responsibility. It highlights the evolution of ethical thinking and action.
Annie Besant's quote reflects a profound moral inquiry into the nature of responsibility and the evolution of ethics over time. The first part suggests that while others might recognize a duty, one may hesitate to act on it, leading to inaction. In contrast, the second part presents a shift in perspective, advocating for personal agency and the belief that if something needs to be done, one should take the initiative to do it. This encapsulates a broader philosophical discussion about the intersection of individual choice and collective moral obligation, demonstrating how societal values can shape personal ethics.
Themes
ResponsibilityMoralityActionEthicsEvolution
In practice
Example use cases
During a community meeting, someone could use this quote to encourage volunteerism and personal initiative.
More from Annie Besant
All quotes βNo durable things are built on violent passion. Nature grows her plants in silence and in darkness, and only when they have become strong do they put their heads above the ground.
Annie BesantRead
Death consists, indeed, in a repeated process of unrobing, or unsheathing. The immortal part of man shakes off from itself, one after the other, its outer casings, and - as the snake from its skin, the butterfly from its chrysalis - emerges from one after another, passing into a higher state of consciousness.
Annie BesantRead
Let Indian history be set side by side with Europe history with what there is of the latter century by century and let us see whether India need blush at the comparison.
Annie BesantRead
My own life in India, since I came to it in 1893 to make it my home, has been devoted to one purpose, to give back to India her ancient freedom.
Annie BesantRead
Knowledge is essential to conquest; only according to our ignorance are we helpless. Thought creates character. Character can dominate conditions. Will creates circumstances and environment.
Annie BesantRead
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It is better to discuss things, to argue and engage in polemics than make perfidious plans of mutual destruction.
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My whole wretched life swam before my weary eyes, and I realized no matter what you do it's bound to be a waste of time in the end so you might as well go mad.
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