Benevolence Quote by Jane Austen
““General benevolence, but not general friendship, make a man what he ought to be.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Pride and Prejudice, 1813
General benevolence, not friendship, defines a man's true character.
In simple terms: Kindness defines character more than friendship.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate benevolence.
Themes
morality
character
relationships
virtue
Mood
thoughtful
philosophical
Type
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal development
- leadership
- community building
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
social expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- What distinguishes benevolence from friendship?
- Can one exist without the other?
A Different Perspective
Friendship also shapes identity.
![“Everybody is taken in at some period or another. [...] In marriage especially. [...] There is not one in a hundred of either sex, who is not taken in when they marry. Look where I will, I see that it is so; and I feel that it must be so, when I consider that it is, of all transactions, the one in…” quote by Jane Austen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/37a/jane-austen-39_marriage_everybody-is-taken-in-at-some-period-or_7175.jpg)
![“They [spies] cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.” quote by Sun Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/13c/sun-tzu-283_art_they-spies-cannot-be-properly-managed-wi_77546.jpg)
