quotations about benevolence
To feel much for others, and little for ourselves, to restrain our selfish, and to indulge our benevolent affections, constitute the perfection of human nature.
ADAM SMITH
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Benevolence is the distinguishing characteristic of man. As embodied in man's conduct, it is called the path of duty.
MENCIUS
Works
The benevolent affections will not revolve around selfishness; the cold-hearted must expect to meet coldness; the proud, haughtiness; the passionate, anger; and the violent, rudeness. Those who forget the rights of others, must not be surprised if their own are forgotten; and those who stoop to the lowest embraces of sense must not wonder, if others are not concerned to find their prostrate honor, and lift it up to the remembrance and respect of the world.
ALBERT PIKE
Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
In ev'ry sorrowing soul I pour'd delight,
And poverty stood smiling in my sight.
HOMER
The Odyssey
Noble people don't do things for the money, they simply have money, and that's what allows they to be noble. They don't really have to think about it much; they sprout benevolent acts the way trees sprout leaves.
MARGARET ATWOOD
Hag-Seed
Government is either organized benevolence or organized madness; its peculiar magnitude permits no shading.
JOHN UPDIKE
Buchanan Dying
The intensity of private attachment encourages, not prevents, universal benevolence.
SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE
attributed, Romantic Poetry: Recent Revisionary Criticism
There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us.
RALPH WALDO EMERSON
Conduct of Life
We praise those who love their fellow-men.
ARISTOTLE
Nicomachean Ethics
Benevolence is not merely a feeling, but a principle; it is not a dream of rapture for the fancy to indulge in, but a business for the hand to execute.
THOMAS CHALMERS
attributed, Day's Collacon
The most acceptable service of God is doing good to man.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Autobiography