The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
That is true culture which helps us to work for the social betterment of all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True culture enhances our efforts to improve society for everyone.
Henry Ward Beecher's quote emphasizes that the essence of culture lies not in personal enrichment or elitism, but in its ability to inspire and facilitate actions that contribute to the collective welfare of society. True culture promotes social responsibility and encourages individuals to engage in efforts that uplift and improve the community as a whole.
Themes
CultureSocial BettermentCommunityResponsibilityProgress
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community initiatives, one might quote this to inspire collective action.
More from Henry Ward Beecher
All quotes βA man who cannot get angry is like a stream that cannot overflow, that is always turbid. Sometimes indignation is as good as a thunderstorm in summer, clearing and cooling the air.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
No one can deal with the hearts of men unless he has the sympathy which is given by love.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
No man can tell if he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
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