Mighty in deeds and not in words.
—Anonymous
The flighty purpose never is o’ertook, unless the deed go with it.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Fashion your life as a garland of beautiful deeds.
—Buddhist Teaching
O Lord, how many read the Word, and yet from vice are not deterred.
—Unknown
Our deeds are seeds of fate, sown here on earth, but bringing forth their harvest in eternity.
—George Boardman the Younger (1801–31) American Baptist Minister
Every man feels instinctively that all the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action.
—James Russell Lowell (1819–91) American Poet, Critic
The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention
—Unknown
Ambition and love are the wings to great deeds.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
Brave deeds are most estimable when hidden.
—Blaise Pascal (1623–62) French Mathematician, Physicist, Theologian
Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.
—Dodie Smith (1896–1990) British Novelist, Playwright, Writer
Good actions ennoble us, and we are the sons of our own deeds.
—Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616) Spanish Novelist
In dreams the truth is learned that all good works are done in the absence of a caress.
—Leonard Cohen (1934–2016) Canadian Singer, Songwriter, Poet, Novelist
Our deeds still travel with us from afar, and what we have been makes us what we are.
—George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans) (1819–80) English Novelist
Good deeds from good intentions flow; but good intentions only; build for us a place below.
—Unknown
Look on little deeds as great, on account of Christ, who dwells in us, and watches our life; look on great deeds as easy, on account of His great power.
—Blaise Pascal (1623–62) French Mathematician, Physicist, Theologian
To be doing good deeds is man’s most glorious task.
—Sophocles (495–405 BCE) Ancient Greek Dramatist
What monster have we here? A great Deed at this hour of day? A great just deed—and not for pay? Absurd—or insincere?
—Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–61) English Poet
Independence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good.
—Thomas Paine (1737–1809) American Nationalist, Author, Pamphleteer, Radical, Inventor
A life spent worthily should be measured by deeds, not years.
—Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751–1816) Irish-born British Playwright, Poet, Elected Rep
The last temptation is the greatest treason: to do the right deed for the wrong reason.
—T. S. Eliot (1888–1965) American-born British Poet, Dramatist, Literary Critic
A word that has been said may be unsaid—it is but air. But when a deed is done, it cannot be undone, nor can our thoughts reach out to all the mischiefs that may follow.
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–82) American Poet, Educator, Academic
Anyone who proposes to do good must not expect people to roll stones out of his way, but must accept his lot calmly if they even roll a few more on it. A strength which becomes clearer and stronger through experiences of such obstacles is the only strength that can conquer them. Resistance is only a waste of strength.
—Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965) French Theologian, Musician, Philosopher, Physician
As for doing good; that is one of the professions which is full. Moreover I have tried it fairly and, strange as it may seem, am satisfied that it does not agree with my constitution.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
Foul deeds will rise, though all the earth o’erwhelm them, to men’s eyes.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Blessings ever wait on virtuous deeds, and though a late, a sure reward succeeds.
—William Congreve (1670–1729) English Playwright, Poet
Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.
—Herodotus (c.485–425 BCE) Ancient Greek Historian
Everyone whose deeds are more than his wisdom, his wisdom endures; and everyone whose wisdom is more than his deeds, his wisdom does not endure.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
That best portion of a good man’s life; His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.
—William Wordsworth (1770–1850) English Poet
Chop your own wood, and it will warm you twice.
—Henry Ford (1863–1947) American Businessperson, Engineer
Though it is possible to utter words only with the intention to fulfill the will of God, it is very difficult not to think about the impression which they will produce on men and not to form them accordingly. But deeds you can do quite unknown to men, only for God. And such deeds are the greatest joy that a man can experience.
—Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) Russian Novelist