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It is better to do your own duty badly than to perfectly…

“It is better to do your own duty badly than to perfectly do an others; when you do your duty, you are naturally free from sin.” quote by Stephen Mitchell
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“It is better to do your own duty badly than to perfectly do an others; when you do your duty, you are naturally free from sin.”

Stephen Mitchell

About This Quote

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

Fulfilling one's own responsibilities, even imperfectly, is better than flawlessly executing another's, which can bind one to moral compromise.

In simple terms: Do your own duty, even if imperfect.

Key Takeaway

Focus on personal responsibility.

Themes

duty ethics self-reliance integrity

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • workplace tasks
  • family roles
  • community service
  • personal decisions

Key Concepts

karma moral philosophy personal agency

Questions to Reflect On

  • What personal duties are you neglecting?
  • How does imperfect effort compare to perfect imitation?
A Different Perspective

Perfectly copying others may lead to hidden obligations.

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