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200 words, courage, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, Do the right thing, foolish, integrity, life, love, wisdom, world issues
Always do right. This will gratify some people & astonish the rest ~ Mark Twain
And some may even call you stupid… (My addition to Twain’s quote)
There are times when I’ve had the opportunity to do what was right and didn’t take it.
These occurrences have occasionally haunted me.
I regret my actions in these circumstances and have learned from them.
There are also times when I’ve taken the high road and did the right thing. Sometimes I’ve even been called stupid and became the topic of ridicule. At other times, no one but myself and God even knew.
I never regret my actions in these circumstances.
Doing the right thing is rarely the easy thing.
Doing the right thing rarely results in a chorus of accolades from your peers.
In fact, doing the right thing may promote someone else and relegate you to the background.
And occasionally, doing the right thing may even make you look foolish.
The odd time, however, doing the right thing can result in others’ appreciation and inspire them to do good.
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
Do the right thing, even if you’re the only one who knows you’ve done it.
rachelcarrera said:
When I don’t choose to do the right thing, my guilt plagues me for years. However when I do, I usually feel like an unappreciated schmuck. LOL! 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Haha I have felt like an unappreciated schmuck at time as well Rachel! ❤
Diana xo
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rachelcarrera said:
LOL! At least we’re honest about it. 🙂
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elizabeth2560 said:
You are BRILLIANT!
I think that it is harder to do the right thing, when you might look foolish, than if no-one knows you have done it at all.
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dianasschwenk said:
haha Thanks Elizabeth and you may be right about the looking foolish rather than no one knows point!
Diana xo
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Wyrd Smythe said:
A much truer test of character than when we know people are watching! 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Right? Thanks Smitty!
Diana xo
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Chatter Master said:
This is one of the principles I would teach my martial arts students. That whether one is being watched or not, one should be trusted to do what they know is to be the right thing. Whether anyone else knows it or not.
Like you, I have haunting moments of when I could have done better.
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dianasschwenk said:
What a great lesson to teach kids Colleen! ❤
Diana xo
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Healing Grief said:
I think you would be a fine example Diana of someone who makes the right choices and who cares about others and their feelings! “Just saying” 🙂
Karen
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dianasschwenk said:
Aww thanks Karen! ❤
Diana xo
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earthriderjudyberman said:
True words, Diana. When given the choice, always do right. You’ll sleep easier knowing you did. 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
Exactly Judy!
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
I like your quote, Diana, and I agree that where there is right there is might. My bit of squirm in the deal comes from the thought that if it’s a two-party situation, each may have a different view of which decision is the right decision.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes that can be a dilemma Mark!
I was thinking more about personal integrity, a clear conscience, being true to myself and my values, doing the right thing within the area of my control etc., make sense? ❤
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
Perfectly, my friend. And rightly so, Diana. ❤
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Alan A. Malizia: Contagious Optimism! Co-Author said:
Diana, It matters not what others think. All that matters is what God thinks.
When a crowd is running in one direction, and one person is running in the opposite direction; to the observer it seems that one person is insane. Until the crowd rushes off the edge of a cliff.-G.K. Chesterton
Keep following your conscience.
-Alan
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dianasschwenk said:
I love that quote Alan – thanks for sharing it!
Diana xo
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Jim McKeever said:
Ah, yes, Diana … I agree in general. But these things sometimes are best handled on a case-by-case basis. I’ve erred in both directions often enough. But I suppose most of the time we should, as George Saunders suggests, “Err in the direction of kindness.”
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dianasschwenk said:
So true Jim. If I have to make a mistake though, I would hope to do so on the side of kindness as George suggests. 🙂
Diana xo
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joannerambling said:
Yes doing the right thing can be so hard but it is worth it we feel better about us when we do the right thing well I know I do
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dianasschwenk said:
You’re absolutely spot on Jo-Anne!
Diana xo
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Jennifer's Journal said:
A terrific quote, and a thoughtful piece of advice. Is that you in the photo, Diana? 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Jennifer – no it’s not me, although I’d love to be sitting there! ❤
Diana xo
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Minuscule Moments said:
Great message Diana and when we do the right thing our children can learn from it as well.
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dianasschwenk said:
Amen to that Kath! ❤
Diana xo
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utesmile said:
I love what bulldog said, very good as is your post.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you so much Ute! ❤
Diana xo
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bulldog said:
BUT…. by doing the right thing and being the only one that knows is a great feeling…. doing the right thing and being ridiculed is even better, as those that ridicule regret actually not having done the same, so for you it is a double whammy, feeling good for having done good and knowing those that ridicule are nothing more than jealous that they did not do it….
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dianasschwenk said:
😀 ! Thanks for sharing your perspective on this bulldog – I love it!
Diana xo
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Ann Koplow said:
Love this, Diana!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Ann!
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