Goodness and Its Appearance

Light of Truth

“When goodness appears openly, it is no longer goodness, though it may still be useful as organized charity or an act of solidarity. Therefore: “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them.” Goodness can exist only when it is not perceived, not even by its author; whoever sees himself performing a good work is no longer good, but at best a useful member of society or a dutiful member of a church. Therefore, “Let not thy left hand know what they right hand doeth.”

Hannah Arendt Human Condition
p. 74

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