Marcus Aurelius Quotes

It is futile to judge a kind deed by its motives. Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.

I go out of my way to help people, but I don't tell people. Goodness is not about beating your own drum.

Do what good thou canst unknown, and be not vain of what ought rather to be felt than seen.

In our good works nothing is our own.

A good deed hidden in silence dies.

Even the least work done for others awakens the power within; even thinking the least good of others gradually instills into the heart the strength of a lion.

If I'm remembered for having done a few good things, and if my presence here has sparked some good energies, that's plenty.

One of the best lessons I learned early is that not everything in life is about you. It is about service. If you want trips and excessive gifts, then don't get into public service.

Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out.

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.

Do something for somebody everyday for which you do not get paid.

There are a lot of people who are doing wonderful things, quietly, with no motive of greed, or hostility toward other people, or delusions of superiority.

Writing checks for charities is necessary and important. But it can't compare with corporal works of mercy, which are infinitely greater.

To be doing good deeds is man's most glorious task.

To deal with individual human needs at the everyday level can be noble sometimes.

Make another list of things done for you that you loved. Do them for others, always.

Magnanimous people have no vanity, they have no jealousy, and they feed on the true and the solid wherever they find it. And, what is more, they find it everywhere.

It has always appeared to me, that there is so much to be done in this world, that all self-inflicted suffering which cannot be turned to good account for others, is a loss - a loss, if you may so express it, to the spiritual world.

Be prepared, and be careful not to do your good deeds when there's no one watching you.

Kindness is an everyday byproduct of all the great virtues.

That best portion of a man's life, his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.

A life that moves to gracious ends Thro’ troops of unrecording friends, A deedful life, a silent voice.

It is royal to do good and be abused.

True charity occurs only when there are no notions of giving, giver, or gift.

It is a noble thing to make ingrates.