[T]he concern of man is not his future but his present, not the world but his soul. We must be just, we must strive, we must engage ourselves with the business of the world for our own sake, because through that, and through contemplation in equal measure, our soul is purified and brought closer to the divine. ... Thought and deed conjoined are crucial. ... The attempt must be made; the outcome is irrelevant. Right action is a pale material reflection of the divine, but reflection it is, nonetheless. Define your goal and exert reason to accomplish it by virtuous action; successs or failure is secondary.
action deeds divinity failure future goals mankind philosophy present purification souls success thought
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About This Quote

About Iain Pears, The Dream of Scipio

Iain Pears, The Dream of Scipio.

Themes

  • Philosophy — Deep thoughts on existence, knowledge, and the nature of reality
  • Success — Insights on achievement, ambition, and reaching your goals

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enlightenment human-spirit philosophy

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broad-mindedness civilization crudeness education

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