How can we know ourselves? Never by reflection, but only through action. Begin at once to do your duty and immediately you will know what is inside you.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
Duty. That which sternly impels us in the direction of profit, along the line of desire.
—Ambrose Bierce (1842–1913) American Short-story Writer, Journalist
Can you have more than one major MISSION pervading your life? NO. That would be like coming to a fork in the road and trying to go both ways by straddling it.
—Charles A. Garfield (b.1944) American Psychologist
Without duty, life is sort of boneless; it cannot hold itself together.
—Joseph Joubert (1754–1824) French Writer, Moralist
The sense of obligation to continue is present in all of us. A duty to strive is the duty of us all. I felt a call to that duty.
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–65) American Head of State
Where there is plenty, charity is a duty, not a courtesy
—Owen Feltham (1602–1668) English Essayist
Duty performed is a moral tonic; if neglected, the tone and strength of both mind and heart are weakened, and the spiritual health undermined.
—Tryon Edwards American Theologian
It is the duty of children to wait on elders, and not the elders on children
—African Proverb
The first duty of a government is to give education to the people
—Simon Bolivar (1783–1830) Venezuelan Patriot, Statesman
Do the truth ye know, and you shall learn the truth you need to know.
—George MacDonald (1824–1905) Scottish Novelist, Lecturer, Poet
Happiness is the natural flower of duty.
—Phillips Brooks (1835–93) American Episcopal Clergyman, Author
Perish discretion when it interferes with duty.
—Hannah More
The reward of one duty done is the power to fulfill another.
—George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans) (1819–80) English Novelist
We do not choose our own parts in life, and have nothing to do with selecting those parts. Our simple duty is confined to playing them well.
—Epictetus (55–135) Ancient Greek Philosopher
The first requisite of a good citizen in this Republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his weight; that he shall not be a mere passenger, but shall do his share in the work that each generation of us finds ready to hand; and, furthermore, that in doing his work he shall show, not only the capacity for sturdy self-help, but also self-respecting regard for the rights of others.
—Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) American Head of State, Political leader, Historian, Explorer
There is not a moment without some duty.
—Cicero (106BCE–43BCE) Roman Philosopher, Orator, Politician, Lawyer
The difference between goals and mission is reflected in the difference between I want to get married and I want to have a successful marriage.
—Unknown
When a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed of, he always declares that it is his duty.
—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) Irish Playwright
Duties are not performed for duty’s sake, but because their neglect would make the man uncomfortable. A man performs but one duty—the duty of contenting his spirit, the duty of making himself agreeable to himself.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
By doing our duty, we learn to do it.
—Edward Bouverie Pusey (1800–82) British Anglican Theologian, Scholar
There is no mean work, save that which is sordidly selfish; no irreligious work, save that which is morally wrong; in every sphere of life the post of honor is the post of duty.
—Edwin Hubbell Chapin (1814–80) American Preacher, Poet
Whether your time calls you to live or die do both like a prince.
—Philip Sidney (1554–86) English Soldier Poet, Courtier
Do the duty which lieth nearest to thee! Thy second duty will already have become clearer.
—Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) Scottish Historian, Essayist
Is duty a mere sport, or an employ! Life an entrusted talent or a toy.
—Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) English Poet, Literary Critic, Philosopher
Duty is a very personal thing. It is what comes from knowing the need to take action and not just a need to urge others to do something.
—Mother Teresa (1910–97) Roman Catholic Missionary, Nun
Do today’s duty, fight today’s temptation; do not weaken and distract yourself by looking forward to things you cannot see, and could not understand if you saw them.
—Charles Kingsley (1819–75) English Clergyman, Academic, Historian, Novelist
It is wonderful what strength and boldness of purpose and energy will come from the feeling that we are in the way of duty.
—John Foster Dulles (1888–1959) American Republican Public Official, Lawyer
Ours not to reason why
Ours but to do and die.
—Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809–92) British Poet
Make it a point to do something every day that you don’t want to do. This is the golden rule for acquiring the habit of doing your duty without pain.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
The sad duty of politics is to establish justice in a sinful world.
—Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971) American Christian Theologian