Accomplished Quote by Reinhold Niebuhr
“Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we are saved by love. No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as from our own; therefore, we are saved by the final form of love, which is forgiveness.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Moral Man and Immoral Society, 1932
Virtuous deeds lose impact when isolated; love—especially forgiveness—provides the communal force that completes moral action.
In simple terms: Love and forgiveness complete good deeds.
Key Takeaway
Seek love and forgiveness in actions.
Themes
ethics
love
forgiveness
community
humility
Mood
thoughtful
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- community service
- personal growth
- reconciliation efforts
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social ethics
interpersonal dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does love transform moral work?
- When is forgiveness most challenging?
A Different Perspective
Forgiveness may be difficult to practice.
![“[U]nless oppressed groups stick together, and on alliances of self interest rather than do-goodism; nothing can be accomplished in the long run to dismantle the apparatus of oppression.” quote by Shulamith Firestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d7b/shulamith-firestone-12980_accomplished_u-nless-oppressed-groups-stick-together_5485.jpg)
