"It is more men that the world wants, not more systems. It is character that our modern life waits for, to redeem and transform it; and conduct as the fruitage of character."
The Citizen in his Relation to the Industrial Situation,
Bishop Potter.
PREFACE
This collection of noble thoughts expressed by men and women of past and present ages who have endeavoured to leave the world a little better than they found it, is similar in arrangement and purpose to my former volume "Being and Doing"; and has been compiled at the request of several readers who have found that book helpful.
It is obvious that without the kindly co-operation of many authors and publishers such books could not exist, and I tender sincere and hearty thanks to those who have made the work possible. All have treated me with unfailing courtesy and generosity.
Where I have occasionally used short quotations without permission I ask forgiveness.
It would be impossible to name separately each one to whom I am a grateful debtor, so special mention must only be made of the more heavily taxed, and of those who have asked for a formal acknowledgment, namely:—
The Literary Executors of the late Mr. Ruskin, per Mr. George Allen, for extracts from Mr. Ruskin's works.