Good acts grow upon a person. I have sometimes thought…
““Good acts grow upon a person. I have sometimes thought that many men, judging from their utter lack of kindness and of a disposition to aid others, imagined that if they were to say or do a kind thing, it would destroy their capacity to perform a kind act or say a kind word in the future. If you have a granary full of grain, and you give away a sack or two, there remain that many less in your granary, but if you perform a kind act or add words of encouragement to one in distress, who is struggling along in the battle of life, the greater is your capacity to do this in the future. Don’t go through life with your lips sealed against words of kindness and encouragement, nor your hearts sealed against performing labors for another. Make a motto in life: always try and assist someone else to carry his burden.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Kindness expands one's ability to help, rather than depleting it; generosity builds capacity for future good deeds.
In simple terms: Kindness multiplies personal capacity to help.
Key Takeaway
Giving encourages more giving.
Themes
generosity
self‑efficacy
compassion
reciprocity
growth mindset
Mood
hopeful
inspiring
Type
aphorism
motivational
When to use this quote
- supporting a grieving friend
- volunteering during a crisis
- encouraging a teammate
- mentor guiding a mentee
Key Concepts
psychological reinforcement
social support
moral philosophy
Practical Applications
- counseling services
- community outreach programs
Questions to Reflect On
- How does practicing kindness affect your own resilience?
- What habits can you adopt to make encouragement a daily habit?