Care Quote by John Ruskin
“In mortals there is a care for trifles which proceeds from love and conscience, and is most holy; and a care for trifles which comes of idleness and frivolity, and is most base. And so, also, there is a gravity proceeding from thought, which is most noble; and a gravity proceeding from dulness and mere incapability of enjoyment, which is most base.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Moral and Political Economy, John Ruskin, 1849
Human motivations split between noble love‑driven concern and base idle frivolity; likewise, thoughtful seriousness versus dull incapacity.
In simple terms: People act from love or laziness; thought can be noble or dull.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate love‑driven purpose, avoid idle concerns.
Themes
morality
motivation
human nature
thought
gravity
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- public service
- creative work
- decision making
Key Concepts
ethics
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your daily concerns?
- How can you distinguish noble from base motivations?
A Different Perspective
Noble motives can be clouded by self‑interest; base motives may masquerade as virtue.
