Write injuries in dust, benefits in marble.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
My joy in learning is partly that it enables me to teach.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
In this age, the man who dares to think for himself and to act independently does a service to his race
—John Stuart Mill (1806–73) English Philosopher, Economist
To oblige persons often costs little and helps much.
—Baltasar Gracian (1601–58) Spanish Scholar, Prose Writer
If every American donated five hours a week, it would equal the labor of 20 million full-time volunteers.
—Whoopi Goldberg (b.1955) American Comedian, Actor, Musician, Political Activist, TV Personality
Never stop serving your customers. They’ll love you for it.
—Unknown
If things are not going well with you, begin your effort at correcting the situation by carefully examining the service you are rendering, and especially the spirit in which you are rendering it.
—Roger Babson (1875–1967) American Economist
It is when we forget ourselves that we do things which will be remembered.
—Unknown
I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in terms of the service it might give others… I find out what the world needs, then I proceed to invent.
—Thomas Edison (1847–1931) American Inventor, Scientist, Entrepreneur
He who endeavors to serve, to benefit, and improve the world, is like a swimmer, who struggles against a rapid current, in a river lashed into angry waves by the wind. Often they roar over his head, often they beat him back and baffle him. Most men yield to the stress of the current. Only here and there the stout, strong heart and vigorous arms struggle on towards ultimate success.
—Albert Pike (1809–91) American Masonic Scholar, Orator, Jurist
We must have a citizenship less concerned about what the government can do for it and more anxious about what it can do for the nation.
—Warren G. Harding (1865–1923) American Head of State, Businessperson
Live and let live is not enough; live and help live is not too much.
—Orison Swett Marden (1850–1924) American New Thought Writer, Physician, Entrepreneur
Make sure somebody need you.
—Unknown
Obedience to our Heavenly Father starts with our loving service to a needy brother.
—William Arthur Ward (1921–94) American Author
Do right. Do your best. Treat others as you want to be treated.
—Lou Holtz (1893–1980) American Stage Performer
The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his Lord.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
Try and forget our cares and sickness, and contribute, as we can to the happiness of each other.
—Samuel Johnson (1709–84) British Essayist
Men are rich only as they give. He who gives great service gets great rewards.
—Elbert Hubbard (1856–1915) American Writer, Publisher, Artist, Philosopher
The truest help we can render an afflicted man is not to take his burden from him, but to call out his best energy, that he may be able to bear the burden.
—Phillips Brooks (1835–93) American Episcopal Clergyman, Author
The highest panegyric, therefore, that private virtue can receive, is the praise of servants.
—Samuel Johnson (1709–84) British Essayist
To leave a sting within a brother’s heart.
—Edward Young (1683–1765) English Poet
The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
Generosity gives assistance, rather than advice.
—Luc de Clapiers, marquis de Vauvenargues (1715–47) French Moralist, Essayist, Writer
Everything that lives, lives not alone, nor for itself.
—William Blake (1757–1827) English Poet, Painter, Printmaker
It only stands to reason that where there’s sacrifice, there’s someone collecting the sacrificial offerings. Where there’s service, there is someone being served. The man who speaks to you of sacrifice is speaking of slaves and masters, and intends to be the master.
—Ayn Rand (1905–82) Russian-born American Novelist, Philosopher
Real unselfishness consists in sharing the interests of others.
—George Santayana (1863–1952) Spanish-American Poet, Philosopher
Make yourself necessary to somebody.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
We will receive not what we idly wish for but what we justly earn. Our rewards will always be in exact proportion to our service.
—Earl Nightingale (1921–89) American Motivational Speaker, Author
A volunteer is a person who can see what others cannot see; who can feel what most do not feel. Often, such gifted persons do not think of themselves as volunteers, but as citizens – citizens in the fullest sense: partners in civilization.
—George H. W. Bush (1924–2018) American Republican Statesman, 41st President
Sow good services; sweet remembrances will grow from them.
—Anne Louise Germaine de Stael (1766–1817) French Woman of Letters