Adversity Quote by Oliver Goldsmith
“The greatest object in the universe, says a certain philosopher, is a good man struggling with adversity; yet there is a still greater, which is the good man that comes to relieve it”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith, 1766
A virtuous person confronting hardship is admirable, but someone who helps alleviate that hardship is even more noble.
In simple terms: Helping others in trouble is the highest good.
Key Takeaway
Seek to aid those in difficulty.
Themes
virtue
adversity
altruism
Mood
empathetic
inspirational
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- community service
- mental health support
- disaster relief
Key Concepts
Stoicism
ethical heroism
Questions to Reflect On
- Who can you support today?
- How does helping others shape your character?
A Different Perspective
Relief depends on recognizing the need first.
![“The greatest good [a man] can do is to cultivate himself in order that he may be of greater use to humanity.” quote by Marshall Field](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a1c/marshall-field-32340_humanity_the-greatest-good-a-man-can-do-is-to-cul_164037.jpg)
![“[T]here are depths of thousands of miles which are hidden from our inquiry. The only tidings we have from those unfathomable regions are by means of volcanoes, those burning mountains that seem to discharge their materials from the lowest abysses of the earth.” quote by Oliver Goldsmith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b7d/oliver-goldsmith-772_abyss_t-here-are-depths-of-thousands-of-miles_88121.jpg)
