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But you were always a good man of business, Jacob,'…

“But you were always a good man of business, Jacob,' faltered Scrooge, who now began to apply this to himself. Business!' cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. "Mankind was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The deals of my trade were but a drop…” quote by Charles Dickens
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“But you were always a good man of business, Jacob,' faltered Scrooge, who now began to apply this to himself. Business!' cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. "Mankind was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The deals of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”

Charles Dickens

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker emphasizes that true purpose lies beyond profit, urging compassion and moral duty over mere commerce.

In simple terms: Business should serve humanity, not dominate it.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize compassion over profit.

Themes

ethics compassion purpose

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

literary moral

When to use this quote

  • business decisions
  • community service
  • personal values
  • leadership

Key Concepts

humanity social responsibility charity

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can profit and compassion coexist?
  • What does “business” mean to you?
A Different Perspective

Profit motives can coexist with altruism.

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