Quote by Samuel Johnson
Piety practiced in solitude, like the flower that blooms in the desert, may give its fragrance to the winds of heaven, and delight those unbodied spirits that survey the works of God and the actions of men; but it bestows no assistance upon earthly beings, and however free from taints of impurity, yet wants the sacred splendor of beneficence.
Summary
This quote suggests that practicing piety in isolation, although it may be pure and pleasing to higher beings, does not have any practical impact on the world or help others. It compares such piety to a flower in the desert – beautiful and fragrant, yet unseen and unable to benefit anyone. The quote emphasizes the importance of combining piety with acts of kindness and generosity in order to truly make a difference in the lives of others. In short, genuine piety requires not just purity of spirit but also active benevolence.
Topics
Religion
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