Character Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
““The moral which presents itself to my reflections, as drawn from Hollingsworth's character and errors, is simply this, that, admitting what is called philanthropy, when adopted as a profession, to be often useful by its energetic impulse to society at large, it is perilous to the individual whose ruling passion, in one exclusive channel, it thus becomes. It””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Scarlet Letter, 1850
Philanthropy as a career can be socially beneficial but may consume the individual, risking personal loss.
In simple terms: Helping others can cost self.
Key Takeaway
Balance service with self‑care.
Themes
ethics
career
self‑sacrifice
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- non‑profit work
- volunteer leadership
- career counseling
Key Concepts
altruism
identity
professional boundaries
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you protect personal identity while helping?
- What boundaries are needed?
A Different Perspective
Excessive self‑sacrifice can lead to burnout.
