---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A duty is to be chosen from what is…"
description: "\"A duty is to be chosen from what is virtuous, and from what is useful, and also from the comparison of the two, one with the other; but nothing is reco..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/990/saint-ambrose-29297_also_a-duty-is-to-be-chosen-from-what-is-virt_2326386.jpg"
---

#  A duty is to be chosen from what is virtuous, and from…

![“A duty is to be chosen from what is virtuous, and from what is useful, and also from the comparison of the two, one with the other; but nothing is recognized by Christians as virtuous or useful which is not helpful to the future life.” quote by Saint Ambrose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/990/saint-ambrose-29297_also_a-duty-is-to-be-chosen-from-what-is-virt_2326386.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/990/saint-ambrose-29297_also_a-duty-is-to-be-chosen-from-what-is-virt_2326386.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/990/saint-ambrose-29297_also_a-duty-is-to-be-chosen-from-what-is-virt_2326386.jpg)

> “A duty is to be chosen from what is virtuous, and from what is useful, and also from the comparison of the two, one with the other; but nothing is recognized by Christians as virtuous or useful which is not helpful to the future life.”

[Saint Ambrose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saint-ambrose/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Virtue and usefulness must align with future benefit; true good serves lasting purpose.

**In simple terms:** Good actions should help future life.

Key Takeaway

Choose deeds that benefit the future.

Themes

ethics purpose spirituality

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical religious

When to use this quote

- career decisions
- community service
- long‑term planning

Key Concepts

theology philosophy utilitarianism

Questions to Reflect On

- Do your actions today support your long‑term goals?
- How do you balance immediate usefulness with lasting virtue?

A Different Perspective

What appears useful now may not serve future good.

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