Quotes about Altruism

Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.

The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.

In India, I learned a proverb that may seem somewhat heartless: "The tears of strangers are only water." It means we are obligated to help only our own; if others have a problem, we wish them well, but it's their problem.

For a moment sitting there above the city, i imagined life outside of narcissism. I wondered how beautiful it might be to think of others as more important than myself. I wondered how peaceful it might be not to be pestered by that childish voice that wants for pleasure and attention. I wondered how it would be like not to live in a house of mirrors, everywhere i go being reminded of myself.

I heard once that real love doesn't ask what is in it for me; it just gives unconditionally. It just tries to take the weight out of somebody else's pack, lessen his load, and if it gets reciprocated, that's great, but that isn't what you did it for.

I talk about love, forgiveness, social justice; I rage against American materialism in the name of alturism, but have I even controlled my own heart? The overwhelming majority of time I spend thinking about myself, pleasing myself, reassuring myself, and when I am done there is nothing to spare for the needy. Six billion people live in this world, and I can only muster thoughts for one. Me.

Those who realize the epic story of life is not about them but actually about the people around them somehow win in the end.

I liked the idea of loving people just to love them, not to get them to come to church.

True charity never envies others when they prosper, nor rejoices in the calamities of others when they are in trouble.

If we are going to be kind, let it be out of simple generosity, not because we fear guilt or retribution.

When a man is rescued from selfish desire his mind is unencumbered, and he is free to work for humanity.

Joy cannot remain with the selfish; it is wedded to Love.