“What is the greatest hindrance to good?”
“Reticence and the idea that—for it to be good—it must be reciprocated.
Good is the reward in and of itself, not recognition nor reciprocation. Should it be returned to us, it is only further blessing. How often to we wait and watch for it to be shown, first, to us? As we wait, how often do opportunities pass when we know our ability to offer, give, live an act of goodness? How often do we hold back our own actions from fear our offerings should be dismissed or rejected?
Who cares?
Goodness is not conditional on the judgment or gratitude of others. It is something we give from ourselves and very often receive in the offering of others. How often, in our own self-absorption, do we miss acts of good and kindness shown to us? Why should our own offering sometimes, too, be overlooked upon appearance?
If goodness is there, give it. If from a sincere place in heart, why should it matter how it is received? We control the offering, not the reception.
Every time we wait, every time we hold back—keep within—is an opportunity lost.
If we require reciprocation of our own will to continue in our giving, that is not goodness. It is self-interest.
If we want a better world, we should be and act from the spirit we believe will make it so. Thinking, waiting, and believing goodness can only be if shown in return undermines all the simple good we may advance by simply offering our goodness that is there.
Be the fool. Act. Be the first to give. The greatest hindrance to good is our own inaction to offer that which is within us. Our giving is also the only piece of the greater picture we control.
When we give our good, our example—even when unreturned to us—gives movement and possibility for a greater, collective, effect.”
He finished writing the thought and, after reading once through, wrote one further line beneath:
Practice what you preach.
And so he would.