WIST Quotations

Hoffer, Eric -- Passionate State of Mind, Aphorism 113 (1955)

Dave — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 19:39:18 +0000

The pleasure we derive from doing favors is partly in the feeling it gives us that we are not altogether worthless. It is a pleasant surprise to ourselves.

Eric Hoffer (1902-1983) American writer, philosopher, longshoreman
Passionate State of Mind, Aphorism 113 (1955)
(Source)

Adams, John -- Letter (1777-03-17) to Nabby Adams (Abigail Adams 2d)

Dave — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 05:03:22 +0000

To be good, and to do good, is all We have to do.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1777-03-17) to Nabby Adams (Abigail Adams 2d)
(Source)

Muhammad -- The Sayings of Muhammad, #251 [tr. Al-Suhrawardy (1941)]

Dave — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 17:15:14 +0000

All God’s creatures are His family; and he is the most beloved of God who does most good to God’s creatures.

Muhammad (AD c. 570-632) Arab religious, military, and political leader; founder of Islam [Mohammed, مُحَمَّد]
The Sayings of Muhammad, #251 [tr. Al-Suhrawardy (1941)]

Fuller, Thomas (1654) -- Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 1, # 716 (1725)

Dave — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 14:07:27 +0000

It’s no great Commendation to just forbear doing Ill: thou art bound moreover to do Good to others; if thou dost not, thou art not Good to thy self.

Thomas Fuller (1654-1734) English physician, preacher, aphorist, writer
Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 1, # 716 (1725)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Do good to thy friend to keep him, to thy enemy to gain him.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734)
(Source)