Alain de Botton Quotes

Goodness is the only investment that never fails.

He that does good for good's sake seeks neither paradise nor reward, but he is sure of both in the end.

It is by doing good that we become good.

The virtue involved in helping those one loves is not 'selflessness' or 'sacrifice,' but integrity.

Do good: we will meet one another there.

If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.

It's also selfish because it makes you feel good when you help others. I've been helped by acts of kindness from strangers. That's why we're here, after all, to help others.

No one can be good for long if goodness is not in demand.

To do no evil is good, to intend none better.

Every day, nay every moment, try to do some good deed.

Do you want to feel good, or do you want to do good?

Blessedness is not the reward of virtue but virtue itself.

It has been more wittily than charitably said that hell is paved with good intentions; they have their place in heaven also.

You don't need a religious background to strive for something good, for genuine compassion and love for others.

There is a sort of gratification in doing good which makes us rejoice in ourselves.

If you real desire is to be good, there is no need to wait for the money before you do it; you can do it now, this very moment, and just where you are.

I don't believe that if you do good, good things will happen. Everything is completely accidental and random. Sometimes bad things happen to very good people and sometimes good things happen to bad people. But at least if you try to do good things, then you're spending your time doing something worthwhile.

Being generous or doing things for others actually makes me feel good so I don't do it because I hope karma will come round and get me and I'll benefit from it.

Giving is good, but taking is bad and brings death.

What is the purpose of our might if we do not use it for good.

Charity itself fulfills the law. And who can sever love from charity?

Evil comes at leisure like the disease. Good comes in a hurry like the doctor.

I'm not a believer in predetermined fates, being rewarded for one's efforts. I'm not a believer in karma. The reason why I try to be a good person is because I think it's the right thing to do. If I commit fewer bad acts there will be fewer bad acts, maybe other people will join in committing fewer bad acts, and in time there will be fewer and fewer of them.

It is of the essence of virtue that the good is not to be done for the sake of a reward.

We all have the duty to do good.