Skip to content

Fleeting Quote by James Cash Penney

“The friendly smile, the word of greeting, are certainly something fleeting and seemingly insubstantial. You can’t take them with you. But they work for good beyond your power to measure their influence. It is the service we are not obliged to give that people value most.” quote by James Cash Penney
Download Open image
“The friendly smile, the word of greeting, are certainly something fleeting and seemingly insubstantial. You can’t take them with you. But they work for good beyond your power to measure their influence. It is the service we are not obliged to give that people value most.”

James Cash Penney

About This Quote

Source Book: My Life and Philosophy by James Cash Penney, 1949

Small acts of kindness have lasting impact beyond their apparent insignificance, especially when they are given voluntarily.

In simple terms: Kindness matters even when fleeting.

Key Takeaway

Give without expectation.

Themes

kindness service gratitude

Mood

warm reflective

Type

inspirational ethical

When to use this quote

  • customer service
  • daily interactions
  • community building
  • team leadership

Key Concepts

social impact voluntary generosity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you make kindness a habit?
  • What unseen effects might your generosity have?
A Different Perspective

Such gestures may be overlooked or taken for granted.

2.5 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by James Cash Penney

Explore all 70 James Cash Penney quotes

More Fleeting quotes

Browse all 538 Fleeting quotes