Inspirational Quotes on Service

In honor of the first National Day of Service and Remembrance this September 11, 2009, here are some inspirational quotes on giving and serving from my collection…

Getters generally don’t get happiness; givers get it. You simply give others a bit of yourself–a thoughtful act, a helpful idea, a word of appreciation, a lift over a rough spot, a sense of understanding, a timely suggestion. You take something out of your mind, garnished in kindness out of your heart, and put in into the other fellow’s mind and heart… –Charles H. Burr

What do we live for if not to make life less difficult for each other? –George Eliot

People exist by virtue of the help they give to one another… Helping people improves the helped person’s life and keeps the helping person human. –Chaim Potok, “In the Beginning”

The influence of a beautiful, helpful character is contagious, and may revolutionize a whole town. –Margaret Collier Graham

The smallest deed is greater than the greatest intention. –John Burroughs

True charity is the desire to be useful to others without thought of recompense. –Emanuel Swedenborg

Life’s most urgent question is: What are you doing for others? –Martin Luther King, Jr.

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a minute before starting to improve the world. –Anne Frank

Seize every opportunity to contribute to the happiness of someone around you. –Ellen G. White

Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. –James M. Barrie