Karen Armstrong Quotes

People aren't inherently sympathetic.

I'm not a real greedy guy.

I boil down people to 'good heart' or 'bad heart' - meaning they're basically good or basically not.

When you get on the boat that's saving you, don't pull up the ladder behind you

He is incapable of a truly good action who finds not a pleasure in contemplating the good actions of others.

The human being who lives only for himself finally reaps nothing but unhappiness. Selfishness corrodes. Unselfishness ennobles, satisfies.

If you are poor, distinguish yourself by your virtues; if rich, by your good deeds.

Ultimately, we have to ask ourselves an essential spiritual and ethical question: Are we the kind of people who take everything for ourselves and leave nothing for others, or do the angels of our better nature still live? I believe the angels are still alive.

Giving is the master key to success, in all applications of human life.

By developing a sense of respect for others and a concern for their welfare, we reduce our own selfishness, which is the source of all problems, and enhance our sense of kindness, which is a natural source of goodness.

The simple recognition that everyone else wants to be happy and not to suffer, just as I do, serves as a constant reminder against selfishness and partiality. It reminds us there is little to be gained from being kind and generous while hoping to win something in return. Actions motivated by a desire to earn a good name for ourselves are still selfish, even if they appear to be acts of kindness.

What irritates me most about him is his natural goodness, his inborn selflessness.

Selfish is easy. It's sharing that takes courage.

My father is a man with a great capacity for love and a huge heart, which has led him to be somewhat of a lothario, but at the same time, he's genuine. He's far more loving and kind than I could ever be. As selfish as he is, he is an extremely giving person. He's just 100 percent in every direction.

Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.

There is no good in store so long as malice and jealousy and egotism will prevail.

In short, virtue cannot live where envy reigns, nor liberality subsist with niggardliness.

Take the selfishness out of this world and there would be more happiness than we should know what to do with.

We can all do good deeds, but very few of us can think good thoughts.

Without courage you cannot practice any of the other virtues. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.

If a man would reap praise, you must sow the seeds, gentle words and useful deeds.

Kind words and good deeds are eternal. You never know where their influence will end.

While selfishness joins hands with no one of the virtues, benevolence is allied to them all.

It is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom. . . . So often, our acts of service consist of simple encouragement or of giving . . . help with mundane tasks, but what glorious consequences can flow . . . from small but deliberate deeds!

Cleverness is a gift, kindness is a choice.