It is not enough to refrain from evil if you do not do good. It is little to harm no one strive to be needed by many. - Saint Augustine
It is not enough to refrain from evil if you do not do good. It is little to harm no one strive to be needed by many. - Saint Augustine
Saint Augustine's quote, "It is not enough to refrain from evil if you do not do good. It is little to harm no one, strive to be needed by many," embodies a powerful ethical and moral principle. At its core, this statement emphasizes the importance of active goodness over mere passive avoidance of wrongdoing. The first part of the quote, "It is not enough to refrain from evil if you do not do good," suggests that morality cannot be confined to simply not committing wrong actions. True virtue requires action; it demands that we actively contribute to the betterment of the world and the welfare of others. This is a call for positive engagement, moving beyond the minimalist approach of morality that avoids evil but does not pursue good. In the following sentence, "It is little to harm no one, strive to be needed by many," Augustine advances this notion by suggesting that to live a meaningful and impactful life, one should aim to be of service to others. Simply not causing harm is a baseline expectation; however, to truly fulfill one's moral and societal duties, one should aspire to be indispensable or beneficial to others. This means using one’s skills, resources, and compassion to support and uplift the surrounding community. Ultimately, Augustine’s message is about the proactive pursuit of goodness. It's about transcending an individualistic mindset and embracing a life of communal value. This perspective encourages us to seek ways to contribute positively and be a source of support and inspiration, thus ensuring our lives have a lasting impact on others.
Quote By: Saint Augustine
Saint Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) was a prominent Christian theologian and philosopher whose writings profoundly influenced Western Christianity and philosophy. Born in North Africa, he initially led a hedonistic lifestyle before converting to Christianity after a profound spiritual experience. Augustine is best known for his works such as "Confessions" and "The City of God," which explored themes of grace, free will, and the nature of God, establishing him as a foundational figure in the development of Christian thought.
Bio added on: 2025-02-17 20:25:01