Skip to content

Harm Quote by Desmond Tutu

“It is true that when we harm others, we harm ourselves; but it is just as true that when we help others, we also help ourselves.” quote by Desmond Tutu
Download Open image
““It is true that when we harm others, we harm ourselves; but it is just as true that when we help others, we also help ourselves.””

Desmond Tutu

About This Quote

Source Sermon: The Power of Compassion, 1995

Helping others benefits the helper as much as the recipient, creating a reciprocal cycle of well‑being.

In simple terms: Helping others also helps yourself.

Key Takeaway

Practice compassion for mutual benefit.

Themes

ethics compassion interdependence well‑being spirituality

Mood

reflective inspirational hopeful

Type

spiritual ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • volunteering
  • community service
  • peer support
  • mental health care

Key Concepts

reciprocity moral philosophy social responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does compassion improve personal health?
  • Can selfish motives undermine true generosity?
A Different Perspective

Self‑interest can distort genuine altruism.

3.7 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Desmond Tutu

Explore all 558 Desmond Tutu quotes

More Harm quotes

Browse all 2,207 Harm quotes