Master Stanley used to tell me that what I was doing was…
““Master Stanley used to tell me that what I was doing was nowhere near as important as the place within myself from where I was doing it. For example, a person could be teaching others out of a selfless motive, or out of a desire for power or glory: the former had a positive impact on the world, whereas the latter had a negative impact, even though the same identical teaching may have been imparted. “It’s the spirit that’s important,” he would say. “It’s even more important than the act. Going to work in a gas station and providing for your family out of love is more important than creating a mighty religious work out of a desire for glory or power.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The inner motivation behind actions matters more than the external act itself; selfless intent yields positive impact, while selfish motives can corrupt even noble deeds.
In simple terms: Intent matters more than the act.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate selfless motives.
Themes
motivation
ethics
intent
impact
values
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teaching
- family work
- religious creation
- career choices
Key Concepts
selflessness
power dynamics
intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates your daily work?
- How can you align actions with selfless intent?
A Different Perspective
Selfish motives can still produce harmful outcomes despite good actions.