It is a great misfortune to be of use to nobody; scarcely…
“It is a great misfortune to be of use to nobody; scarcely less to be of use to everybody.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Being useful to no one is harmful, but being useful to everyone dilutes impact; balance usefulness wisely.
In simple terms: Avoid being useless or overextending; find purposeful impact.
Key Takeaway
Aim for meaningful, selective contribution.
Themes
purpose
balance
service
Mood
thoughtful
pragmatic
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- career
- volunteering
- leadership
- resource allocation
Key Concepts
utility
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you choose where to help?
- What defines meaningful contribution?
A Different Perspective
Being useful to all can lead to burnout or superficial aid.