Skip to content

Appreciation Quote by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

“Let me not hurt, by any selfish deed Or thoughtless word, the heart of foe or friend; Nor would I pass, unseeing, worthy need, Or sin by silence when I should defend... "The world is better that I lived to-day."” quote by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Download Open image
“Let me not hurt, by any selfish deed Or thoughtless word, the heart of foe or friend; Nor would I pass, unseeing, worthy need, Or sin by silence when I should defend... "The world is better that I lived to-day."”

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The World Is Better That I Lived Today” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, 1900

The speaker urges compassion, urging avoidance of harmful actions and words, and to act when others need help, recognizing that living responsibly improves the world.

In simple terms: Be kind and act when needed.

Key Takeaway

Choose empathy over selfishness.

Themes

compassion responsibility ethics

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • community service
  • conflict resolution
  • everyday interactions

Key Concepts

moral duty social harmony

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you intervene when you see injustice?
  • What small acts of kindness can you start today?
A Different Perspective

May be idealistic; real‑world constraints can limit influence.

4.9 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Explore all 240 Ella Wheeler Wilcox quotes

More Appreciation quotes

Browse all 2,398 Appreciation quotes