Civil service Quote by Emanuel Swedenborg
““Goodwill has something in common with each of these categories of love, because goodwill is by definition a love for usefulness of all kinds. Goodwill wants to do what is good for our neighbor, and goodness is the same as usefulness. Each of the categories of love just mentioned have usefulness as their goal: love for heaven has the goal of being useful in spiritual ways; love for the world has the goal of being useful in earthly ways, which could also be called forms of civil service; and love for ourselves has the goal of being useful in physical ways, which could also be labeled benefits at home for ourselves and our loved ones.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Heaven and Hell by Emanuel Swedenborg, 1758
Goodwill is a form of love focused on usefulness, aiming to benefit others and oneself through practical actions.
In simple terms: Goodwill = useful love for others and self.
Key Takeaway
Act with purpose to help.
Themes
love
usefulness
ethics
service
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- community projects
- volunteering
- family care
- personal health
Key Concepts
Altruism
practical love
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure your actions truly benefit others?
- When does helping become self‑interest?
A Different Perspective
Goodwill may be misused if usefulness is self‑serving rather than genuine.
