Skip to content

Thousands of men breathe, move, and live; pass off the…

“Thousands of men breathe, move, and live; pass off the stage of life and are heard of no more. Why? They did not a particle of good in the world; and none were blest by them, none could point to them as the instrument of their redemption; not a line they wrote, not a word they spoke, could be…” quote by Thomas Chalmers
Download Open image
“Thousands of men breathe, move, and live; pass off the stage of life and are heard of no more. Why? They did not a particle of good in the world; and none were blest by them, none could point to them as the instrument of their redemption; not a line they wrote, not a word they spoke, could be recalled, and so they perished--their light went out in darkness, and they were not remembered more than the insects of yesterday. Will you thus live and die, O man immortal? Live for something.”

Thomas Chalmers

About This Quote

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

Lives without good deeds fade into obscurity; purpose gives lasting impact.

In simple terms: Purposeful deeds prevent being forgotten.

Key Takeaway

Live purposefully to leave a lasting legacy.

Themes

legacy purpose morality

Mood

inspirational serious

Type

religious philosophical

When to use this quote

  • community service
  • career choices
  • personal projects

Key Concepts

ethical living spiritual fulfillment social contribution

Questions to Reflect On

  • What lasting impact do you desire?
  • How can small actions contribute to a greater purpose?
A Different Perspective

Purpose can be hard to define.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Thomas Chalmers

Explore all 45 Thomas Chalmers quotes

More Breathe quotes

Browse all 2,793 Breathe quotes