No act of virtue can be great if it is not followed by…
“No act of virtue can be great if it is not followed by advantage for others. So, no matter how much time you spend fasting, no matter how much you sleep on a hard floor and eat ashes and sigh continually, if you do no good to others, you do nothing great.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Great virtue must benefit others; self‑denial without service is empty.
In simple terms: Virtue is only meaningful when it helps others.
Focus on altruistic actions alongside personal discipline.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- charitable work
- community service
- personal fasting
- daily kindness
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you turn personal discipline into service?
- What small acts can you do daily for others?
May be hard to balance personal sacrifice with helping others.