# Quotes about taking action - Quotes: 118 - Authors: 90 - Narrower topics: [strategy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/strategy.md), [effort](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/effort.md) - Topic page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action - JSON version (same data): https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.json ## Quotes > At the Day of Judgement we shall not be asked what we have read but what we have done; not how well we have spoken, but how holily we have lived. [Thomas Kempis](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis.md) · [The Imitation of Christ](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis/the-imitation-of-christ.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis/the-imitation-of-christ/at-the-day.md) Topics: [faith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/faith.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > There is nothing more harmful to the success of an endeavor than timidity, pusilanimity, and doubt. This type of cowardice that I believe only the lazy possess. I do not believe anything to be impossible; nor am I amazed by any invention or discovery, which is why I do not find any idea utopian. What is essential is that the idea be put into practice. Begin! The rest is weakness and an erroneous concept of human power. Wanting is doing! [Luisa Capetillo](https://www.leafyquotes.com/luisa-capetillo.md) · [A Nation of Women](https://www.leafyquotes.com/luisa-capetillo/a-nation-of-women.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/luisa-capetillo/a-nation-of-women/there-is-nothing.md) Topics: [courage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/courage.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > The person engaged in action is always unconscionable; no one except the contemplative has a conscience. [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe.md) · [Maxims and Reflections](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/maxims-and-reflections.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/maxims-and-reflections/the-person-engaged.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md) > The unstoppable compulsion to act, in bigger and wiser ways than you knew possible, has already been set in motion. I’m urging you to trust in that. [Charles Eisenstein](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-eisenstein.md) · [The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-eisenstein/the-more-beautiful-world-our-hearts-know-is-possible.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-eisenstein/the-more-beautiful-world-our-hearts-know-is-possible/the-unstoppable-compulsion.md) Topics: [trust](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/trust.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > The All of Things is an infinite conjugation of the verb To do. [Thomas Carlyle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-carlyle.md) · [The French Revolution](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-carlyle/the-french-revolution.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-carlyle/the-french-revolution/the-all-of-things.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > "Pray for rain all you like, but dig a well as you do it." [Stephen King](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stephen-king.md) · [The Wind through the Keyhole](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stephen-king/the-wind-through-the-keyhole.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/stephen-king/the-wind-through-the-keyhole/pray-for-rain.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [prayer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/prayer.md) > Action expressed in a wrong channel is worse than no action at all. [Johnston McCulley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johnston-mcculley.md) · [The Mark of Zorro](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johnston-mcculley/the-mark-of-zorro.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johnston-mcculley/the-mark-of-zorro/action-expressed-in-a-wrong.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Afrikans, let us find ourselves happening to events, instead of always responding to events happening to us. [Es’kia Mphahlele](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eskia-mphahlele.md) · [Down Second Avenue](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eskia-mphahlele/down-second-avenue.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eskia-mphahlele/down-second-avenue/afrikans-let-us-find.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Your actions reveal how badly you want something. If you keep saying something is a priority but you never act on it, then you don’t really want it. It’s time to have an honest conversation with yourself. Your actions reveal your true motivations. [James Clear](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-clear.md) · [Atomic Habits](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-clear/atomic-habits.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-clear/atomic-habits/your-actions-reveal.md) Topics: [honesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/honesty.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [motivation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/motivation.md) > Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become [James Clear](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-clear.md) · [Atomic Habits](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-clear/atomic-habits.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-clear/atomic-habits/every-action-you.md) Topics: [identity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/identity.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [habits](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/habits.md) > ‘Your naibs are greedy. They need to be taught a lesson. Money is like grass. It withers...but our deeds last forever.' (p233) [Leila Aboulela](https://www.leafyquotes.com/leila-aboulela.md) · [The Kindness of Enemies](https://www.leafyquotes.com/leila-aboulela/the-kindness-of-enemies.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/leila-aboulela/the-kindness-of-enemies/your-naibs-are.md) Topics: [money](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/money.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > “Knowledge can be a hindrance to right action,” answered the little man. “There are those who hold that, if we but knew the full ramifications of even our least deeds, the ensuing concatenations of cause and effect would paralyze us with indecision.” [Matt Hughes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/matt-hughes.md) · [Fools Errant](https://www.leafyquotes.com/matt-hughes/fools-errant.md) · p. 52 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/matt-hughes/fools-errant/knowledge-can-be-a-hindrance.md) Topics: [knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/knowledge.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > “I wonder,” said Abraham, “if I’d ever think I knew enough to act.” > > “If you don’t, then study all your life and talk a little when you believe you have something to say.” [Edgar Pangborn](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edgar-pangborn.md) · [A Mirror for Observers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edgar-pangborn/a-mirror-for-observers.md) · p. 176 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edgar-pangborn/a-mirror-for-observers/i-wonder-said.md) Topics: [knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/knowledge.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > “Keep the focus on the action not the institution; don’t confuse the vehicle with the objective; all cocoons are temporary and disappear” [Toni Cade Bambara](https://www.leafyquotes.com/toni-cade-bambara.md) · [The Salt Eaters](https://www.leafyquotes.com/toni-cade-bambara/the-salt-eaters.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/toni-cade-bambara/the-salt-eaters/keep-the-focus.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Your own actions are a better mirror of your life than the actions of all your enemies put together. [Ngugi wa Thiong'o](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ngugi-wa-thiongo.md) · [Wizard of the Crow](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ngugi-wa-thiongo/wizard-of-the-crow.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ngugi-wa-thiongo/wizard-of-the-crow/your-own-actions.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [enemies](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/enemies.md) > It's what you want, he told himself. Don't obsess over it. Do it. [Robert S. Stone](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-s-stone.md) · [A Flag for Sunrise](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-s-stone/a-flag-for-sunrise.md) · p. 140 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-s-stone/a-flag-for-sunrise/its-what-you.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [obsession](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/obsession.md) > The key is to keep the focus on people's actions, on their behaviors, rather than speculate about their motives. Trying to determine what's in a person's head or heart is a pointless distraction. It's impossible to know for certain the heart's inner secrets. [Carl L. Hart](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-l-hart.md) · [Drug Use for Grown-Ups](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-l-hart/drug-use-for-grown-ups.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-l-hart/drug-use-for-grown-ups/the-key-is-to-keep.md) Topics: [secrets](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/secrets.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > For your reflections reflect on the things you do. And the things you do reflect on you. [Ben Okri](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-okri.md) · [Dangerous Love](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-okri/dangerous-love.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-okri/dangerous-love/for-your-reflections.md) Topics: [character](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/character.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Let go of the thing that you're trying to be (the noun), and focus on the actual work you need to be doing (the verb). Doing the verb will take you someplace further and far more interesting. [Austin Kleon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/austin-kleon.md) · [Keep Going](https://www.leafyquotes.com/austin-kleon/keep-going.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/austin-kleon/keep-going/let-go-of-the.md) Topics: [work](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/work.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > I hear my father-in-law's response[...] "Naïve, dreaming Adam. He who would do battle with the many-headed hydra of human nature must pay a world of pain & his family must pay it along with him! & only as you gasp your dying breath shall you understand, your life amounted to no more than one drop in a limitless ocean!" > > Yet what is any ocean but a multitude of drops? [David Mitchell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-mitchell.md) · [Cloud Atlas](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-mitchell/cloud-atlas.md) · p. 508 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-mitchell/cloud-atlas/i-hear-my-father-in-laws.md) Topics: [hope](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hope.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Dedication: This book is dedicated to all the people who get up and do something about it, whatever it is and however small the thing is they do. [Ben Aaronovitch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch.md) · [Broken Homes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch/broken-homes.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch/broken-homes/dedication-this-book.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [helping others](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/helping-others.md) > The clever part is that it changes the question from, Who should I believe? to, What should I do? After all, the physical world is unaffected by our beliefs. It reacts only to our actions. [Greg Craven](https://www.leafyquotes.com/greg-craven.md) · [What's the Worst That Could Happen?](https://www.leafyquotes.com/greg-craven/whats-the-worst-that-could-happen.md) · p. 19 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/greg-craven/whats-the-worst-that-could-happen/the-clever-part.md) Topics: [choices](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/choices.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > How wonderful to simply do things instead of wondering if they are worth doing or discussing whether to do them or being told not to do them or listening to somebody else describe doing them. [Ahdaf Soueif](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ahdaf-soueif.md) · [In the Eye of the Sun](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ahdaf-soueif/in-the-eye-of-the-sun.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ahdaf-soueif/in-the-eye-of-the-sun/how-wonderful-to-simply.md) Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Standards of better or worse are not illusory or unnecessary. If you hadn’t decided that what you are doing right now was better than the alternatives, you wouldn’t be doing it. The idea of a value-free choice is a contradiction in terms. Value judgments are a precondition for action. Furthermore, every activity, once chosen, comes with its own internal standards of accomplishment. If something can be done at all, it can be done better or worse. [Jordan B. Peterson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jordan-b-peterson.md) · [12 Rules for Life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jordan-b-peterson/12-rules-for-life.md) · p. 87 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jordan-b-peterson/12-rules-for-life/standards-of-better.md) Topics: [morality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/morality.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > There are the people in this world who act, and the people who scheme. The ones who act get things done, and the ones who scheme try to take credit for it. You must know that as well as I do. [Algis Budrys](https://www.leafyquotes.com/algis-budrys.md) · [Rogue Moon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/algis-budrys/rogue-moon.md) · p. 27 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/algis-budrys/rogue-moon/there-are-the.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Do not be concerned with the fruit of your action—just give attention to the action itself. [Eckhart Tolle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eckhart-tolle.md) · [The Power of Now](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eckhart-tolle/the-power-of-now.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eckhart-tolle/the-power-of-now/do-not-be-concerned.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Today beauty no longer acts, and action no longer bothers about being beautiful. [André Gide](https://www.leafyquotes.com/andre-gide.md) · [The Immoralist](https://www.leafyquotes.com/andre-gide/the-immoralist.md) · p. 111 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/andre-gide/the-immoralist/today-beauty-no-longer.md) Topics: [beauty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/beauty.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > If there’s pleasure in action, there’s peace in stillness. [Emily St John Mandel](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emily-st-john-mandel.md) · [Sea of Tranquility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emily-st-john-mandel/sea-of-tranquility.md) · p. 23 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emily-st-john-mandel/sea-of-tranquility/if-theres-pleasure.md) Topics: [peace of mind](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/peace-of-mind.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > I can love a stone, Govinda, and a tree or a piece of bark. These are things and one can love things. But one cannot love words. … Also with this great teacher, the thing to me is of greater importance than the words; his deeds and life are more important to me than his talk, the gesture of his hand is more important to me than his opinions. Not in speech or thought do I regard him as a great man, but in his deeds and life. [Hermann Hesse](https://www.leafyquotes.com/hermann-hesse.md) · [Siddhartha](https://www.leafyquotes.com/hermann-hesse/siddhartha.md) · p. 146 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/hermann-hesse/siddhartha/i-can-love.md) Topics: [words](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/words.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > We are the sum of our achievements, nothing more and nothing less. The mountain road which led us here was built by a dead people none of us would remember otherwise. What we create is the only part of us which can survive, or has the right to. Man is nothing, except to other men. [Tanith Lee](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tanith-lee.md) · [The Birthgrave](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tanith-lee/the-birthgrave.md) · p. 303 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tanith-lee/the-birthgrave/we-are-the.md) Topics: [memory](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/memory.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > I would not sit waiting for some vague tomorrow, nor for something to happen. One could wait a lifetime, and find nothing at the end of the waiting. I would begin here, I would make something happen. [Louis L’Amour](https://www.leafyquotes.com/louis-lamour.md) · [Sackett's Land](https://www.leafyquotes.com/louis-lamour/sacketts-land.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/louis-lamour/sacketts-land/i-would-not.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > All good maxims are in the world. We only need apply them. [Blaise Pascal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/blaise-pascal.md) · [Pensees](https://www.leafyquotes.com/blaise-pascal/pensees.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/blaise-pascal/pensees/all-good-maxims.md) Topics: [wisdom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/wisdom.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > The world turns on our every action, and our every omission, whether we know it or not. [Abraham Verghese](https://www.leafyquotes.com/abraham-verghese.md) · [Cutting for Stone](https://www.leafyquotes.com/abraham-verghese/cutting-for-stone.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/abraham-verghese/cutting-for-stone/the-world-turns.md) Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > To see things properly, it is not enough simply to look. People who look at life - purely as witnesses, spectators - are not rare; and one of the strangest lessons to be learnt from our literature is that professional spectators, judges by vocation and witnesses by predestination, contemplate life with less understanding and grasp of its rich content than anyone else. There really is no substitution for participation! [Henri Lefebvre](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henri-lefebvre.md) · [Critique of Everyday Life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henri-lefebvre/critique-of-everyday-life.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henri-lefebvre/critique-of-everyday-life/to-see-things.md) Topics: [life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/life.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > “Frankly Jess, on the grand scale—” > > “You can’t think on the grand scale. You have to think on the small scale. Otherwise no-one’d ever do anything.” [Jane Rogers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-rogers.md) · [The Testament of Jessie Lamb](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-rogers/the-testament-of-jessie-lamb.md) · p. 137 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-rogers/the-testament-of-jessie-lamb/frankly-jess-on-the.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > The most significant indicator of people’s character comes through their actions over time. Despite what people say about the lessons they have learned (see Howard Hughes), and how they have changed over the years, you will inevitably notice the same actions and decisions repeating in the course of their life. In these decisions they reveal their character. You must take notice of any salient forms of behavior—disappearing when there is too much stress, not completing an important piece of work, turning suddenly belligerent when challenged, or, conversely, suddenly rising to the occasion when given responsibility. With this fixed in your mind, you do some research into their past. You look at other actions you have observed that fit into this pattern, now in retrospect. You pay close attention to what they do in the present. You see their actions not as isolated incidents but as parts of a compulsive pattern. If you ignore the pattern it is your own fault. [Robert Greene](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-greene.md) · [The Laws of Human Nature](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-greene/the-laws-of-human-nature.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-greene/the-laws-of-human-nature/the-most-significant.md) Topics: [character](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/character.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > The man who does nothing also takes a risk. [George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Dance with Dragons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons/the-man-who.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [risk](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/risk.md) > What a man can do and what he will do are two different things. [George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Feast for Crows](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-feast-for-crows.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-feast-for-crows/what-a-man.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Sometimes the best thing you can do is nothing. [George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Storm of Swords](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-storm-of-swords.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-storm-of-swords/sometimes-the-best.md) Topics: [wisdom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/wisdom.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > You don’t win by getting through all your life not having done anything. [John Scalzi](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-scalzi.md) · [Redshirts](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-scalzi/redshirts.md) · p. 292 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-scalzi/redshirts/you-dont-win.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > I don’t say half I mean. I can’t. I haven’t got the gift. There are talkers enough among us; I’ll be one of the doers. [Charles Dickens](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dickens.md) · [Barnaby Rudge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dickens/barnaby-rudge.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dickens/barnaby-rudge/i-dont-say.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > To know and not to act is not to know. [Don DeLillo](https://www.leafyquotes.com/don-delillo.md) · [Cosmopolis](https://www.leafyquotes.com/don-delillo/cosmopolis.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/don-delillo/cosmopolis/to-know-and.md) Topics: [knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/knowledge.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > The place where you suffer is the same space where you commit yourself to act. [Susan Cain](https://www.leafyquotes.com/susan-cain.md) · [Bittersweet](https://www.leafyquotes.com/susan-cain/bittersweet.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/susan-cain/bittersweet/the-place-where.md) Topics: [suffering](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/suffering.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Every active deed is etched in the matrix of passivity. [Peter Sloterdijk](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-sloterdijk.md) · [Critique of Cynical Reason](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-sloterdijk/critique-of-cynical-reason.md) · p. 540 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-sloterdijk/critique-of-cynical-reason/every-active-deed.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > I believe our only hope of immortality lies in our actions, in what we do to and for others, and in our children. [Edmund Cooper](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edmund-cooper.md) · [The Tenth Planet](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edmund-cooper/the-tenth-planet.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edmund-cooper/the-tenth-planet/i-believe-our.md) Topics: [children](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/children.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [immortality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/immortality.md) > Evil will never be countered while good men do nothing. [David Gemmell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell.md) · [Quest for Lost Heroes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell/quest-for-lost-heroes.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell/quest-for-lost-heroes/evil-will-never.md) Topics: [evil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/evil.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [indifference](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/indifference.md) > I don't pray, Master Ring. I act. [David Gemmell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell.md) · [Stormrider](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell/stormrider.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-gemmell/stormrider/i-dont-pray.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > It is surprising how refreshing this feels. Being judged by what you do, and not what you are. [N. K. Jemisin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/n-k-jemisin.md) · [The Obelisk Gate](https://www.leafyquotes.com/n-k-jemisin/the-obelisk-gate.md) · p. 127 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/n-k-jemisin/the-obelisk-gate/it-is-surprising.md) Topics: [identity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/identity.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Good intentions are pointless without the will to implement them. [N. K. Jemisin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/n-k-jemisin.md) · [The Broken Kingdoms](https://www.leafyquotes.com/n-k-jemisin/the-broken-kingdoms.md) · p. 281 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/n-k-jemisin/the-broken-kingdoms/good-intentions-are.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [free will](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/free-will.md) > Be calm. A man can do but little. Enough if that little be right. [Poul Anderson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson.md) · [There Will Be Time](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson/there-will-be-time.md) · p. 126 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/poul-anderson/there-will-be-time/be-calm-a-man.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [modesty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/modesty.md) > I am sick of atrocities, though these are now the natural order of our world. And I would still like to act! [Imre Kertész](https://www.leafyquotes.com/imre-kertesz.md) · [Detective Story](https://www.leafyquotes.com/imre-kertesz/detective-story.md) · p. 37 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/imre-kertesz/detective-story/i-am-sick.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [cruelty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/cruelty.md) > I will act now. > > For now is all I have. Tomorrow is the day reserved for the labor of the lazy. I am not lazy. Tomorrow is the day when the evil become good. I am not evil. Tomorrow is the day when the weak become strong. I am not weak. Tomorrow is the day when the failure will succeed. I am not a failure. > > I will act now. [Og Mandino](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino.md) · [The Greatest Salesman in the World](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino/the-greatest-salesman-in-the-world.md) · p. 96 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino/the-greatest-salesman-in-the-world/i-will-act-now.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [laziness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/laziness.md) > I will act now. Never has there been a map, however carefully executed to detail and scale, which carried its owner over even one inch of ground. Never has there been a parchment of law, however fair, which prevented one crime. Never has there been a scroll, even such as the one I hold, which earned so much as a penny or produced a single word of acclamation. Action alone is the tinder which ignites the map, the parchment, this scroll, my dreams, my plans, my goals, into a living force. Action is the food and drink which will nourish my success. > > I will act now. [Og Mandino](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino.md) · [The Greatest Salesman in the World](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino/the-greatest-salesman-in-the-world.md) · p. 93 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino/the-greatest-salesman-in-the-world/i-will-act.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Happiness, in truth, may not be the fruit plucked by my action yet without action all fruit will die on the vine. > > I will act now. > > I will act now. I will act now. I will act now. [Og Mandino](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino.md) · [The Greatest Salesman in the World](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino/the-greatest-salesman-in-the-world.md) · p. 95 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/og-mandino/the-greatest-salesman-in-the-world/happiness-in-truth.md) Topics: [happiness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/happiness.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Harry Dresden: But there were some things I believed in. Some things I had faith in. And faith isn’t about perfect attendance to services, or how much money you put on the little plate. It isn’t about going skyclad to the Holy Rites, or meditating each day upon the divine. Faith is about what you do. It’s about aspiring to be better and nobler and kinder than you are. It’s about making sacrifices for the good of others—even when there’s not going to be anyone telling you what a hero you are. [Jim Butcher](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jim-butcher.md) · [Changes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jim-butcher/changes.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jim-butcher/changes/harry-dresden-but.md) Topics: [faith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/faith.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [sacrifice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/sacrifice.md) > It took me a long time but I finally figured it out: when it comes to men that are romantically interested in you, it's really simple: just ignore everything they say, and only pay attention to what they do. It's that simple. It's that easy. [Randy Pausch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/randy-pausch.md) · [The Last Lecture](https://www.leafyquotes.com/randy-pausch/the-last-lecture.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/randy-pausch/the-last-lecture/it-took-me-a-long.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [falling in love](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/falling-in-love.md) > 'All action leads to suffering, someone else's, or one's own.' [Malcolm Bradbury](https://www.leafyquotes.com/malcolm-bradbury.md) · [The History Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/malcolm-bradbury/the-history-man.md) · p. 117 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/malcolm-bradbury/the-history-man/all-action-leads.md) Topics: [suffering](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/suffering.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > After weeks of indoor work it actually felt good to be doing something—clean, direct, muscles and mind. [Gregory Benford](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford.md) · [The Sunborn](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford/the-sunborn.md) · p. 38 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford/the-sunborn/after-weeks-of-indoor.md) Topics: [work](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/work.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Talkers never acted when they could talk. [Gregory Benford](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford.md) · [In Alien Flesh](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford/in-alien-flesh.md) · p. 53 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford/in-alien-flesh/talkers-never-acted.md) Topics: [words](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/words.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Thunder impresses, but it’s lightning does the work. [Gregory Benford](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford.md) · [In Alien Flesh](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford/in-alien-flesh.md) · p. 253 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford/in-alien-flesh/thunder-impresses-but.md) Topics: [words](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/words.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > If you are in the grip of the ego, you believe that by doing more and more you will eventually accumulate enough “doings” to make yourself feel complete at some point in the future. You won't. You will only lose yourself in doing. The entire civilization is losing itself in doing that is not rooted in Being and thus becomes futile. p. 64 [Eckhart Tolle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eckhart-tolle.md) · [A New Earth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eckhart-tolle/a-new-earth.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eckhart-tolle/a-new-earth/if-you-are.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [ego](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/ego.md) > Implement now, perfect later. [Larry Winget](https://www.leafyquotes.com/larry-winget.md) · [It's Called Work for a Reason!](https://www.leafyquotes.com/larry-winget/its-called-work-for-a-reason.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/larry-winget/its-called-work-for-a-reason/implement-now-perfect.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [perfectionism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/perfectionism.md) > Don't be the ammunition wagon, be the rifle … knowledge exists primarily for use. [Carl Rogers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-rogers.md) · [On Becoming a Person](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-rogers/on-becoming-a-person.md) · p. 281 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-rogers/on-becoming-a-person/dont-be-the.md) Topics: [knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/knowledge.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > It is deeds not words which must purchase my affection and esteem. [Anne Brontë](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte.md) · [The Tenant of Wildfell Hall](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall/it-is-deeds.md) Topics: [love](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/love.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [respect](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/respect.md) > Without the possibility of action, all knowledge comes to one labeled "File and forget." [Ralph Ellison](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ralph-ellison.md) · [Invisible Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ralph-ellison/invisible-man.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ralph-ellison/invisible-man/without-the-possibility.md) Topics: [knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/knowledge.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > A hibernation is a covert preparation for a more overt action. [Ralph Ellison](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ralph-ellison.md) · [Invisible Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ralph-ellison/invisible-man.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ralph-ellison/invisible-man/a-hibernation-is-a-covert.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > I don’t care one way or the other if the big A is using you to scratch an itch, but think very carefully of actions, Wonky. They have a dismaying tendency to be followed by consequences, and sometimes quite bad ones. [Jasper Fforde](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jasper-fforde.md) · [Early Riser](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jasper-fforde/early-riser.md) · p. 284 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jasper-fforde/early-riser/i-dont-care.md) Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > For centuries I’ve been worrying about audiences seeing me as a mouthy spoiled brat who can’t make up his mind about anything, but, having seen the real world, I can understand the appeal. My play is popular because my failings are your failings, my indecision the indecision of you all. We all know what has to be done; it’s just that sometimes we don’t know how to get there. Acting without thought doesn’t really help in the long run. I might dither for a while, but at least I make the right decision in the end: I bear my troubles and take arms against them. And thereby lies a message for all mankind, although I’m not exactly sure what it is. Perhaps there’s no message. I don’t really know. Besides, if I don’t dither, there’s no play. [Jasper Fforde](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jasper-fforde.md) · [Something Rotten](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jasper-fforde/something-rotten.md) · p. 371 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jasper-fforde/something-rotten/for-centuries-ive.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > "David," said Mr. Murdstone, "to the young this is a world for action; not for moping and droning in." [Charles Dickens](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dickens.md) · [David Copperfield](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dickens/david-copperfield.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dickens/david-copperfield/david-said-mr-murdstone.md) Topics: [youth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/youth.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > You cannot change what you are, only what you do. [Philip Pullman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/philip-pullman.md) · [Northern Lights: His Dark Materials 1](https://www.leafyquotes.com/philip-pullman/northern-lights-his-dark-materials-1.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/philip-pullman/northern-lights-his-dark-materials-1/you-cannot-change.md) Topics: [change](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/change.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > “Details matter, though, don’t you think?” he said. “Sometimes what appear to be utterly inconsequential actions have the most enormous results. Chance makes the casual momentous. It is the fulcrum upon which the levers of action rest.” [Iain M. Banks](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks.md) · [Against A Dark Background](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/against-a-dark-background.md) · p. 298 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/against-a-dark-background/details-matter-though.md) Topics: [chance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/chance.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > That was another thing she taught me. That you are what you do. To Providence—or Progress or the Future or before any other sort of judgment apart from our own conscience—what we have done, not what we have thought, is the result we are judged by. [Iain M. Banks](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks.md) · [Inversions](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/inversions.md) · p. 3 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/inversions/that-was-another.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [conscience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conscience.md) > What has value in their eyes is never what is done for them; it's what they do for themselves. [Simone de Beauvoir](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-de-beauvoir.md) · [All Men Are Mortal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-de-beauvoir/all-men-are-mortal.md) · p. 315 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-de-beauvoir/all-men-are-mortal/what-has-value.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [independence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/independence.md) > A man is at his youngest when he thinks he is a man, not yet realizing that his actions must show it. [Mary Renault](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-renault.md) · [The King Must Die](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-renault/the-king-must-die.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-renault/the-king-must-die/a-man-is-at-his.md) Topics: [youth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/youth.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > The consequences of our actions are always so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed. [J.K. Rowling](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jk-rowling.md) · [Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jk-rowling/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jk-rowling/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/the-consequences-of-our.md) Topics: [the future](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/the-future.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > You do not know what things you set in motion, he said. No man can know. No prophet foresee. The consequences of an act are often quite different from what one would guess. You must be sure that the intention in your heart is large enough to contain all wrong turnings, all disappointments. Do you see? Not everything has such value. [Cormac McCarthy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cormac-mccarthy.md) · [The Crossing](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cormac-mccarthy/the-crossing.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/cormac-mccarthy/the-crossing/you-do-not.md) Topics: [fate](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/fate.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > First, prayer; then, atonement; in the third place, very much 'in the third place', action. [Josemaría Escrivá](https://www.leafyquotes.com/josemaria-escriva.md) · [The Way](https://www.leafyquotes.com/josemaria-escriva/the-way.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/josemaria-escriva/the-way/first-prayer-then.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [prayer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/prayer.md) > speculation is carried on in safety, but, when it comes to action, fear causes failure. [Thucydides](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thucydides.md) · [History of the Peloponnesian War](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thucydides/history-of-the-peloponnesian-war.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thucydides/history-of-the-peloponnesian-war/speculation-is-carried.md) Topics: [fear](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/fear.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Don’t waste your time on penitence or guilt. Solving the problem is better! [Sheri S. Tepper](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper.md) · [Grass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/grass.md) · p. 338 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/grass/dont-waste-your.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [guilt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/guilt.md) > “It is hard to do good,” the voice whispered. > > “Nonsense,” she muttered. “You only have to do it.” [Sheri S. Tepper](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper.md) · [The Song of Mavin Manyshaped](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/the-song-of-mavin-manyshaped.md) · p. 159 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/the-song-of-mavin-manyshaped/it-is-hard.md) Topics: [kindness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/kindness.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Are you Earthseed? > > Do you believe? > > Belief will not save you. > > Only actions > > Guided and shaped > > By belief and knowledge > > Will save you. > > Belief > > Initiates and guides action— > > Or it does nothing. [Octavia E. Butler](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler.md) · [Parable of the Talents](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler/parable-of-the-talents.md) · p. 382 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler/parable-of-the-talents/are-you-earthseed.md) Topics: [faith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/faith.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Act is the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruits. [James Allen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-allen.md) · [As a Man Thinketh](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-allen/as-a-man-thinketh.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/james-allen/as-a-man-thinketh/act-is-the.md) Topics: [suffering](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/suffering.md), [thinking](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/thinking.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > The world can only be grasped by action, not by contemplation. [Jacob Bronowski](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jacob-bronowski.md) · [The Ascent Of Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jacob-bronowski/the-ascent-of-man.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jacob-bronowski/the-ascent-of-man/the-world-can.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > The most unethical of all means is the non-use of any means. [Saul Alinsky](https://www.leafyquotes.com/saul-alinsky.md) · [Rules for Radicals](https://www.leafyquotes.com/saul-alinsky/rules-for-radicals.md) · p. 26 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/saul-alinsky/rules-for-radicals/the-most-unethical.md) Topics: [morality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/morality.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > What you can do is often simply a matter of what you will do. [Norton Juster](https://www.leafyquotes.com/norton-juster.md) · [The Phantom Tollbooth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/norton-juster/the-phantom-tollbooth.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/norton-juster/the-phantom-tollbooth/what-you-can.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Of a surety, at the Day of Judgment it will be demanded of us, not what we have read, but what we have done; not how well we have spoken, but how holily we have lived. [Thomas Kempis](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis.md) · [The Imitation of Christ](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis/the-imitation-of-christ.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis/the-imitation-of-christ/of-a-surety.md) Topics: [religion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/religion.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Arise, begin this very moment, and say, “Now is the time to do: now is the time to fight, now is the proper time for amendment.” [Thomas Kempis](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis.md) · [The Imitation of Christ](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis/the-imitation-of-christ.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis/the-imitation-of-christ/arise-begin-this.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Some of my friends are skeptical when they hear me say this, but I am by nature a person who dislikes confrontation. I have consciously sought during my lifetime to emulate my mother, whom our family knew as a gentle “comforter of the afflicted.” However, when I see innocent people suffering, pushed around by the rich and the powerful, then, as the prophet Jeremiah, says, if I try to keep quiet it is as if the word of God burned like a fire in my breast. I feel compelled to speak out, sometimes to even argue with God over how a loving creator can allow this to happen. > > In the Church of Sant'Egido in Rome, home of an extraordinary community of lay people devoted to working with the poor, there is an old crucifix that portrays Christ without arms. When I asked about its importance to the community, I was told that it shows how God relies on us to do God's work in the world. > > Without us, God has no eyes, without us, God has no ears; without us, God has no arms or hands. God relies on us. Won't you join other people of faith in becoming God's partners in the world? [Desmond Tutu](https://www.leafyquotes.com/desmond-tutu.md) · [God Is Not A Christian](https://www.leafyquotes.com/desmond-tutu/god-is-not-a-christian.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/desmond-tutu/god-is-not-a-christian/some-of-my-friends.md) Topics: [god](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/god.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Sentiment is for those who don't know what to do next. [Nadine Gordimer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nadine-gordimer.md) · [Burger's Daughter](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nadine-gordimer/burgers-daughter.md) · p. 130 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nadine-gordimer/burgers-daughter/sentiment-is-for.md) Topics: [emotions](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/emotions.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > They suffered from the terrible delusion that something could be done. They seemed prepared to make the world the way they wanted or die in the attempt, and the trouble with dying in the attempt was that you died in the attempt. [Terry Pratchett](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett.md) · [Sourcery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/sourcery.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/sourcery/they-suffered-from.md) Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [idealism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/idealism.md) > There is only one way to learn … It's through action. [Paulo Coelho](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paulo-coelho.md) · [The Alchemist](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paulo-coelho/the-alchemist.md) · p. 131 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paulo-coelho/the-alchemist/there-is-only.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [experience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/experience.md) > Honest intention will not cure faulty practice. [John Buchan](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-buchan.md) · [Witch Wood](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-buchan/witch-wood.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-buchan/witch-wood/honest-intention-will.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [good intentions](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/good-intentions.md) > Things to be done offer themselves, I suppose, because they are in themselves desirable; not because it is desirable to have something to do. [Anthony Trollope](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope.md) · [The Prime Minister](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope/the-prime-minister.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope/the-prime-minister/things-to-be-done.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Knowledge is meaningful only if it is reflected in action. The human race has found out the hard way that we are what we do, not just what we think. This is true for kids and adults — for schoolrooms and nations. [Robert Fulghum](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-fulghum.md) · [All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-fulghum/all-i-really-need-to-know-i-learned-in-kindergarten.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-fulghum/all-i-really-need-to-know-i-learned-in-kindergarten/knowledge-is-meaningful.md) Topics: [knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/knowledge.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Belief and work, knowledge and action are one and the same thing. [Paracelsus](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paracelsus.md) · [Paracelsus](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paracelsus/paracelsus.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paracelsus/paracelsus/belief-and-work.md) Topics: [knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/knowledge.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > "Life doesn't require ideals. It requires standards of action." [Haruki Murakami](https://www.leafyquotes.com/haruki-murakami.md) · [Norwegian Wood](https://www.leafyquotes.com/haruki-murakami/norwegian-wood.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/haruki-murakami/norwegian-wood/life-doesnt-require.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > When I was young, I had to choose between the life of being and the life of doing. And I leapt at the latter like a trout to a fly. But each deed you do, each act, binds you to itself and to its consequences, and makes you act again and yet again. Then very seldom do you come upon a space, a time like this, between act and act, when you may stop and simply be. or wonder who, after all, you are. [Ursula K. Le Guin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin.md) · [The Farthest Shore](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin/the-farthest-shore.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin/the-farthest-shore/when-i-was.md) Topics: [identity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/identity.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Character and training disposed him not to interfere in other mens’s business. His job was to find out what they did, and his inclination was to let them go on doing it. He preferred to be enlightened, rather than to enlighten; to seek facts rather than the Truth. But even the most unmissionary soul, unless he pretend he has no emotions, is sometimes faced with a choice between commission and omission. “What are they doing?” abruptly becomes, “What are we doing?” and then, “What must I do?” [Ursula K. Le Guin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin.md) · [The Word for World is Forest](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin/the-word-for-world-is-forest.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin/the-word-for-world-is-forest/character-and-training.md) Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > When action grows unprofitable, gather information; when information grows unprofitable, sleep. [Ursula K. Le Guin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin.md) · [The Left Hand of Darkness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin/the-left-hand-of-darkness.md) · p. 42 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin/the-left-hand-of-darkness/when-action-grows.md) Topics: [knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/knowledge.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > A human action becomes genuinely important when it springs from the soil of a clearsighted awareness of the temporality and the ephemerality of everything human. It is only this awareness that can breathe any greatness into an action. [Václav Havel](https://www.leafyquotes.com/vaclav-havel.md) · [Disturbing the Peace](https://www.leafyquotes.com/vaclav-havel/disturbing-the-peace.md) · p. 113 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/vaclav-havel/disturbing-the-peace/a-human-action.md) Topics: [transience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/transience.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > It's not true that you should first think up an idea for a better world and only then "put it into practice," but, rather, through the fact of your existence in the world, you create the idea or manifest it — create it, as it were, from the "material of the world," articulate it in the "language of the world." [Václav Havel](https://www.leafyquotes.com/vaclav-havel.md) · [Disturbing the Peace](https://www.leafyquotes.com/vaclav-havel/disturbing-the-peace.md) · p. 12 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/vaclav-havel/disturbing-the-peace/its-not-true.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > "I'd take no pride in any hopeless longing. I wouldn't hold a stillborn aspiration. I'd want to have it, to make it, to live it." [Ayn Rand](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand.md) · [Atlas Shrugged](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand/atlas-shrugged.md) · p. 368 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand/atlas-shrugged/id-take-no-pride.md) Topics: [dreams and aspirations](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/dreams-and-aspirations.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Wasn't it evil to wish without moving—or to move without aim? [Ayn Rand](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand.md) · [Atlas Shrugged](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand/atlas-shrugged.md) · p. 241 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand/atlas-shrugged/wasnt-it-evil.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [purpose](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/purpose.md) > He saw for the first time that he had never known fear because, against any disaster, he had held the omnipotent cure of being able to act. No, he thought, not an assurance of victory—who can ever have that?—only the chance to act, which is all one needs. Now he was contemplating, impersonally and for the first time, the real heart of terror: being delivered to destruction with one's hands tied behind one's back. [Ayn Rand](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand.md) · [Atlas Shrugged](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand/atlas-shrugged.md) · p. 214 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand/atlas-shrugged/he-saw-for.md) Topics: [fear](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/fear.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > ... the role of determination is to limit the agonies of doubt and the perils of hesitation when the motives for action are inadequate. [Carl von Clausewitz](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz.md) · [On War](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz/on-war.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz/on-war/the-role-of-determination.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [doubt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/doubt.md) > Where execution is dominant, as it is in the individual events of a war whether great or small, then intellectual factors are reduced to a minimum. [Carl von Clausewitz](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz.md) · [On War](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz/on-war.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-von-clausewitz/on-war/where-execution-is-dominant.md) Topics: [war](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/war.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > There is an infinity of things one does well only through necessity. [Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert.md) · [The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert/there-is-an-infinity.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Good impulses are naught, unless they become good actions. [Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert.md) · [The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert/good-impulses-are.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > The incident seemed to prove to me that intentions, good or bad, are not enough. [John Steinbeck](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck.md) · [The Winter of Our Discontent](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/the-winter-of-our-discontent.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/the-winter-of-our-discontent/the-incident-seemed.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Once he had accepted the end as desirable, he should forget it completely and concentrate solely on the means. [John Steinbeck](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck.md) · [East of Eden](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/east-of-eden.md) · p. 238 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/east-of-eden/once-he-had.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > One sign of a good action is that in retrospect it appears inevitable. [Kim Stanley Robinson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson.md) · [Green Mars](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson/green-mars.md) · p. 296 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson/green-mars/one-sign-of-a-good.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > It was a world of acts, and words had no more influence on acts than the sound of a waterfall has on the flow of the stream. [Kim Stanley Robinson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson.md) · [Red Mars](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson/red-mars.md) · p. 461 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson/red-mars/it-was-a-world.md) Topics: [language](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/language.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Action is consolatory. It is the enemy of thought and the friend of flattering illusions. [Joseph Conrad](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad.md) · [Nostromo](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad/nostromo.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-conrad/nostromo/action-is-consolatory.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [illusions](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/illusions.md) > When I happen to be busy, I never give a moment's thought to the "meaning" of anything, particularly of whatever it is I am doing. A proof that the secret of everything is in action and not abstention, that fatal cause of consciousness. [Emil Cioran](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emil-cioran.md) · [The Trouble With Being Born](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emil-cioran/the-trouble-with-being-born.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emil-cioran/the-trouble-with-being-born/when-i-happen.md) Topics: [meaning of life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/meaning-of-life.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Young teacher, pray consider this example, and remember that your lessons should always be in deeds rather than words, for children soon forget what they say or what is said to them, but not what they have done nor what has been done to them. [Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Emile; or On Education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education/young-teacher-pray.md) Topics: [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md), [teachers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/teachers.md) > More than a century ago, in 1804, in Letter XC of that series that constitutes the immense monody of his Obermann, Sénancour wrote the words which I have put at the head of this chapter — and of all the spiritual descendants of the patriarchal Rousseau, Sénancour was the most profound and intense; of all the men of heart and feeling that France has produced, not excluding Pascal, he was the most tragic. "Man is perishable. That may be; but let us perish resisting, and if it is nothingness that awaits us, do not let us so act that it shall be a just fate." Change this sentence from it negative to the positive form — "And if it is nothingness that awaits us, let us so act that it shall be an unjust fate" — and you get the firmest basis of action for the man who cannot or will not be a dogmatist. [Miguel de Unamuno](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno.md) · [Tragic Sense of Life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno/tragic-sense-of-life.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno/tragic-sense-of-life/more-than-a-century.md) Topics: [death](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/death.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > Conduct, practice, is the proof of doctrine, theory. "If any man will do His will — the will of Him that sent me," said Jesus, "he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself" (John vii. 17); and there is a well known saying of Pascal: "Begin by taking holy water and you will end by becoming a believer." And pursuing a similar train of thought, Johann Jakob Moser, the pietist, was of the opinion that no atheist or naturalist had the right to regard the Christian religion as void of truth so long as he had not put it to the proof by keeping its precepts and commandments (Ritschl, Geschichte des Pietismus, book viii., 43). [Miguel de Unamuno](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno.md) · [Tragic Sense of Life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno/tragic-sense-of-life.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/miguel-de-unamuno/tragic-sense-of-life/conduct-practice-is-the.md) Topics: [faith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/faith.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md) > When you see some evil you proceed to immediate action, you make an immediate attack to cure the symptom. [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe.md) · [Maxims and Reflections](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/maxims-and-reflections.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/maxims-and-reflections/when-you-see.md) Topics: [evil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/evil.md), [taking action](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/taking-action.md)