Enjoyment Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
“We do ourselves wrong, and too meanly estimate the holiness above us, when we deem that any act or enjoyment good in itself, is not good to do religiously.”
About This Quote
It warns against judging actions as inherently good without considering religious or moral context, suggesting we often overestimate divine standards.
In simple terms: Good deeds may not be religiously appropriate.
Key Takeaway
Consider moral context beyond personal enjoyment.
Themes
morality
religion
self‑deception
Mood
reflective
philosophical
Type
ethical
theological
When to use this quote
- charitable acts
- personal hobbies
- public policy decisions
Key Concepts
ethics
theology
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you separate personal pleasure from moral duty?
- How do you define “good” in a secular world?
A Different Perspective
Religious standards vary, making universal judgments difficult.
