Acting Quote by Lydia M. Child
“The laws of our being are such that we must perform some degree of use in the world, whether we intend it, or not; but we can deprive ourselves of its indwelling joy, by acting entirely from the love of self.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: Unknown source, likely essay or lecture
Human existence inevitably involves some action, even unintended, but selfish motives strip joy from that activity.
In simple terms: We must act, but selfishness robs joy.
Key Takeaway
Act with purpose, not self‑interest.
Themes
purpose
joy
selfishness
human nature
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- daily work
- volunteering
- creative projects
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
existentialism
ethics
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify selfish motives in your actions?
- What brings genuine joy to your work?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can be hard to recognize and overcome.
![“[A man] finds in himself a talent which with the help of some culture might make him a useful man in many respects. But he finds himself in comfortable circumstances and prefers to indulge in pleasure rather than to take pains in enlarging and improving his happy natural capacities. He asks…” quote by Immanuel Kant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/82f/immanuel-kant-532_growth_a-man-finds-in-himself-a-talent-which-wi_2644239.jpg)
