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
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
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
Genius is the union of man and God in the acts of the soul. Great men are always greater than their deeds. They are in connection with a reserve power that is without limit.
—Wallace Wattles (1860–1911) American New Thought Author
A noble deed is a step toward God.
—Josiah Gilbert Holland (1819–81) American Editor, Novelist
Chop your own wood, and it will warm you twice.
—Henry Ford (1863–1947) American Businessperson, Engineer
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
Though language forms the preacher, ‘Tis “good works” make the man.
—Eliza Cook (1818–89) English Author, Poet
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
Fashion your life as a garland of beautiful deeds.
—Buddhist Teaching
Good deeds ring clear through heaven like a bell.
—Jean Paul (1763–1825) German Novelist, Humorist
Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.
—Herodotus (c.485–425 BCE) Ancient Greek Historian
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
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
If I knew for a certainty that a man was coming to my house with the conscious design of doing me good, I should run for my life.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
Verily the kindness that gazes upon itself in a mirror turns to stone, and a good deed that calls itself by tender names becomes the parent to a curse.
—Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931) Lebanese-born American Philosopher, Poet, Painter, Theologian, Sculptor
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
However brilliant an action may be, it ought not to pass for great when it is not the result of a great design.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds, makes deeds ill done!
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.
—George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans) (1819–80) English Novelist
Whatever is done for love always occurs beyond good and evil.
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German Philosopher, Scholar, Writer
Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.
—Dodie Smith (1896–1990) British Novelist, Playwright, Writer
Foul deeds will rise, though all the earth o’erwhelm them, to men’s eyes.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Good actions ennoble us, and we are the sons of our own deeds.
—Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616) Spanish Novelist
Blessings ever wait on virtuous deeds, and though a late, a sure reward succeeds.
—William Congreve (1670–1729) English Playwright, Poet
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
Good deeds from good intentions flow; but good intentions only; build for us a place below.
—Unknown
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
O Lord, how many read the Word, and yet from vice are not deterred.
—Unknown
The flighty purpose never is o’ertook, unless the deed go with it.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
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