Desire Quote by Emanuel Swedenborg
“Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things even if we do not get anything in return. It is the joy of our life to do them. When we do good things from this inner desire, there is kindness in everything we think, say, want, and do.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Heaven and Hell, 1758
Kindness stems from an inner desire to do good without expecting reward, enriching life and permeating thoughts, words, and actions.
In simple terms: Kindness is a selfless inner drive to do good.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate selfless generosity.
Themes
kindness
selflessness
inner motivation
Mood
compassionate
uplifting
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- daily interactions
- teaching
- community service
Key Concepts
altruism
joy
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates your acts of kindness?
- Can you practice kindness without any expectation?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can sometimes masquerade as kindness.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
