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If I speak in the tongues of men and of angles, but am note nice, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but am not nice, I am nothing. If I give all I posses to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but am not nice, I gain nothing.
Benjamin Carson
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Without kindness, all talents and gifts are meaningless.

This quote emphasizes the importance of kindness and love over mere abilities or achievements. It suggests that no matter how skilled, knowledgeable, or sacrificial one may be, if those actions are not rooted in genuine kindness, they hold no true value and contribute nothing to one's character or the world.

Themes

KindnessGiftsValueLoveService

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about community service, I might use this quote to highlight the importance of kindness in our actions.

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A little wisdom, now and then

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