Beautiful Quote by Lillian Hellman
“We will not think noble because we are not noble. We will not live in beautiful harmony because there is no such thing in this world, nor should there be. We promise only to do our best and to live out our lives. Dear God, that's all we can promise in truth.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Little Foxes, 1939
We cannot claim moral superiority or ideal harmony; we can only strive to do our best honestly.
In simple terms: We must accept limits, aim for honesty.
Key Takeaway
Live authentically, do your best.
Themes
ethics
humility
realism
faith
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal goal setting
- ethical decisions
- spiritual reflection
- public service
- leadership
Key Concepts
existentialism
moral philosophy
human limitation
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “doing your best” mean to you?
- How do you balance idealism and realism?
A Different Perspective
Idealism may clash with reality, causing frustration.
![“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)
