No matter what a man’s aims, or resolutions, or professions may be, it is by one’s deeds that he is to be judged, both by God and man.
—Henry Ward Beecher (1813–87) American Clergyman, Writer
O Lord, how many read the Word, and yet from vice are not deterred.
—Unknown
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
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
Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.
—George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans) (1819–80) English Novelist
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
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
Good deeds from good intentions flow; but good intentions only; build for us a place below.
—Unknown
Chop your own wood, and it will warm you twice.
—Henry Ford (1863–1947) American Businessperson, Engineer
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
The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention.
—Unknown
Our acts make or mar us, we are the children of our own deeds.
—Victor Hugo (1802–85) French Novelist
Talking much is a sign of vanity, for the one who is lavish with words is cheap in deeds.
—Walter Raleigh (1552–1618) English Courtier, Navigator, Poet
Mighty in deeds and not in words.
—Anonymous
A life spent worthily should be measured by deeds, not years.
—Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751–1816) Irish-born British Playwright, Poet, Elected Rep
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
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
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
Brave deeds are most estimable when hidden.
—Blaise Pascal (1623–62) French Mathematician, Physicist, Theologian
The last temptation is the greatest treason: to do the right deed for the wrong reason.
—T. S. Eliot (1888–1965) American-British Poet, Dramatist, Literary Critic
Fashion your life as a garland of beautiful deeds.
—Buddhist Teaching
Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.
—Dodie Smith (1896–1990) American Author, Playwright
Foul deeds will rise, though all the earth o’erwhelm them, to men’s eyes.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
To be doing good deeds is man’s most glorious task.
—Sophocles (495–405 BCE) Ancient Greek Dramatist
A good picture is equivalent to a good deed.
—Vincent van Gogh (1853–90) Dutch Painter
Good actions ennoble us, and we are the sons of our own deeds.
—Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616) Spanish Novelist
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
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
Good deeds ring clear through heaven like a bell.
—Jean Paul (1763–1825) German Novelist, 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
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