People who looked after animals were by and large kind people; they simply practised kindness, unlike those who made much of it. Thus, thought Isabel, are virtues best cultivated-in discretion and silence, away from the gaze of others, known only to those who act virtuously and to those who benefit from what is done.
by Alexander McCall Smith
(0 Reviews)

In "The Lost Art of Gratitude," Isabel reflects on the nature of kindness and virtue. She observes that those who care for animals tend to exhibit genuine kindness, often practicing it quietly without seeking recognition. This contrasts with those who publicly display their good deeds, suggesting a depth to kindness that lies beyond mere outward appearances.

Isabel believes that true virtues flourish in discretion and are best appreciated by those who directly benefit from them. She posits that the most meaningful acts of kindness are those done in silence, known only to the doer and the recipient, highlighting a profound understanding of altruism devoid of public validation.

Stats

Categories
Votes
0
Page views
2
Update
January 23, 2025

Rate the Quote

Add Comment & Review

User Reviews

Based on 0 reviews
5 Star
0
4 Star
0
3 Star
0
2 Star
0
1 Star
0
Add Comment & Review
We'll never share your email with anyone else.
More »

Other quotes in book quote

More »

Popular quotes

My life amounts to no more than one drop in a limitless ocean. Yet what is any ocean, but a multitude of drops?
by David Mitchell
A half-read book is a half-finished love affair.
by David Mitchell
Our lives are not our own. We are bound to others, past and present, and by each crime and every kindness, we birth our future.
by David Mitchell
Travel far enough, you meet yourself.
by David Mitchell
I believe there is another world waiting for us. A better world. And I'll be waiting for you there.
by David Mitchell
People pontificate, "Suicide is selfishness." Career churchmen like Pater go a step further and call in a cowardly assault on the living. Oafs argue this specious line for varying reason: to evade fingers of blame, to impress one's audience with one's mental fiber, to vent anger, or just because one lacks the necessary suffering to sympathize. Cowardice is nothing to do with it - suicide takes considerable courage. Japanese have the right idea. No, what's selfish is to demand another to endure an intolerable existence, just to spare families, friends, and enemies a bit of soul-searching.
by David Mitchell
The pollenless trees were genomed to repel bugs and birds; the stagnant air reeked of insecticide.
by David Mitchell
A random sequence of seemingly unrelated events.
by David Mitchell
You say you're 'depressed' - all i see is resilience. You are allowed to feel messed up and inside out. It doesn't mean you're defective - it just means you're human.
by David Mitchell
Books don't offer real escape, but they can stop a mind scratching itself raw.
by David Mitchell