The duty of man is not a wilderness of turnpike gates…
“The duty of man is not a wilderness of turnpike gates, through which he is to pass by tickets from one to the other. It is plain and simple, and consists but of two points--his duty God, which every man must feel; and, with respect to his neighbor, to do as he would be done by.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A person's responsibility is twofold: devotion to God and treating others as one wishes to be treated.
In simple terms: Duty is God and neighbor.
Key Takeaway
Live faithfully and practice empathy.
Themes
ethics
religion
social responsibility
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
moral
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal conduct
- community service
- interpersonal relationships
Key Concepts
Golden Rule
theism
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal faith with treating others fairly?
- What challenges arise when applying this principle in diverse societies?
A Different Perspective
May overlook cultural differences in interpreting “as you would be done by.”