Quotation by

Adam Smith

To feel much for others and little for ourselves to restrain our selfishness and exercise our benevolent affections, constitute the perfection of human nature.

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Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Adam Smith is saying that the best version of human nature happens when we care deeply about other people but not too much about ourselves. This balance helps us control selfish behavior and show kindness toward others.

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And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

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All my life I have tried to pluck a thistle and plant a flower wherever the flower would grow in thought and mind.
And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.