If we suddenly plant our foot, and say, - I will neither…
“If we suddenly plant our foot, and say, - I will neither eat nor drink nor wear nor touch any food or fabric which I do not know to be innocent, or deal with any person whose whole manner of life is not clear and rational, we shall stand still. Whose is so? Not mine; not thine; not his. But I think we must clear ourselves each one by the interrogation, whether we have earned our bread to-day by the hearty contribution of our energies to the common benefit? and we must not cease to tend to the correction of these flagrant wrongs, by laying one stone aright every day.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A call for personal integrity: consume only what you know is innocent and contribute honestly to society.
In simple terms: Live honestly and work for the common good.
Key Takeaway
Act with conscience and contribute meaningfully.
Themes
ethics
integrity
social responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- daily choices
- community service
- ethical consumption
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
personal accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- What daily habits reflect your values?
- How can you balance personal purity with societal demands?
A Different Perspective
Idealism may clash with practical necessities.