virgin islands scene

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.
-- Cicero
 

 

Thursday, February 17, 2000

Motives

When your motive is to harm, you will be hurt. When your motive is to deceive, you will find yourself cheated. If your motive is to take, you’ll end up being robbed.

If your motive is to give, you will find that you receive. If your motive is to teach, the result is that you’ll learn. When your motive is to appreciate, you will end up being admired. When your motive is to help, you yourself will be helped. If your motive is to nourish, you will find yourself growing.

You cannot escape your own motives, even though they may be directed toward others. They come back to you as well. Whether that moves you forward or holds you back depends on the particular motives with which you choose to act. The sincerity and integrity of your motives will directly affect the quality of your life.

— Ralph Marston

previousNew challenges       Telling yourselfnext

Copyright ©2000 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All Rights Reserved. The Daily Motivator is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only. Other than personal sharing, please do not re-distribute without permission.