People are afraid of themselves, nowadays. They have…
““People are afraid of themselves, nowadays. They have forgotten the highest of all duties, the duty that one owes to one's self. Of course, they are charitable. They feed the hungry and clothe the beggar. But their own souls starve, and are naked. Courage has gone out of our race. Perhaps we never really had it. The terror of society, which is the basis of morals, the terror of God, which is the secret of religion—these are the two things that govern us. And yet—””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People neglect inner duty, feeding external needs while their own souls starve; societal and religious fears dominate.
In simple terms: We forget to nurture ourselves.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize self‑care alongside helping others.
Themes
self‑care
morality
courage
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- personal therapy
- community leadership
Key Concepts
psychology
ethics
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner duties have you ignored?
- How can you balance external charity with inner nourishment?
A Different Perspective
Self‑neglect can lead to burnout, undermining both personal and societal health.