Every day and every hour, every minute, walk round…
““Every day and every hour, every minute, walk round yourself and watch yourself, and see that your image is a seemly one. You pass by a little child, you pass by, spiteful, with ugly words, with wrathful heart; you may not have noticed the child, but he has seen you, and your image, unseemly and ignoble, may remain in his defenceless heart. You don't know it, but you may have sown an evil seed in him and it may grow, and all because you were not careful before the child, because you did not foster in yourself a careful, actively benevolent love. Brothers, love is a teacher; but one must know how to acquire it, for it is hard to acquire, it is dearly bought, it is won slowly by long labour. For we must love not only occasionally, for a moment, but for ever. Everyone can love occasionally, even the wicked can.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Our behavior serves as a model for others, especially children, and careless actions can plant harmful influences that persist in their hearts.
In simple terms: Your actions teach others; careless deeds can harm them.
Key Takeaway
Act with mindful compassion always.
Themes
responsibility
influence
compassion
parenting
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parent‑child interactions
- teaching moments
- public behavior
- leadership
- personal development
Key Concepts
Moral modeling
ethical impact
emotional contagion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your daily actions shape the character of those around you?
- What practices help you maintain constant compassionate awareness?
A Different Perspective
Even good intentions can fail without consistent, conscious effort.