We all live upon the hope of pleasing somebody, and the…
“We all live upon the hope of pleasing somebody, and the pleasure of pleasing ought to be greatest, and at last always will be greatest, when our endeavours are exerted in consequence of our duty.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
We seek approval, but true satisfaction comes from fulfilling duty, not from others' praise.
In simple terms: Pleasure comes from duty, not approval.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize duty over seeking approval.
Themes
duty
approval
self‑esteem
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- personal relationships
- creative projects
Key Concepts
ethics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you distinguish duty from desire for praise?
- What would happen if you ignored others’ opinions?
A Different Perspective
Seeking approval can distract from genuine purpose.