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If you do something to benefit one person, that is an…

“If you do something to benefit one person, that is an absolute gain, and its relative insignificance in the wider scheme is irrelevant. Benefit two people without concomitant harm to others - or a village, tribe, city, class, nation, society or civilisation - and the benefits are scalable…” quote by Iain Banks
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““If you do something to benefit one person, that is an absolute gain, and its relative insignificance in the wider scheme is irrelevant. Benefit two people without concomitant harm to others - or a village, tribe, city, class, nation, society or civilisation - and the benefits are scalable, arithmetic. There is no excuse beyond fatalistic self-indulgence and sheer laziness for doing nothing.””

Iain Banks

About This Quote

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

Helping many without harming others creates scalable benefits; inaction is selfish and lazy.

In simple terms: Helping many is good; doing nothing is lazy.

Key Takeaway

Act to benefit others responsibly.

Themes

ethics social responsibility scale

Mood

thoughtful motivational

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • community projects
  • policy making
  • global aid programs

Key Concepts

altruism collective welfare justice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you maximize positive impact?
  • What prevents you from acting?
A Different Perspective

Measuring impact can be complex and resources limited.

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