If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.

If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.

No man is an Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the read more

No man is an Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee. More mankind quotes coming soon. If you have a quote or proverb about mankind, please use the "Submit a Quote" form below to have your mankind quote reviewed by an editor. Suggestions or comments on this site? Send an email -John Donne.

The world is beautiful, but has a disease called man

The world is beautiful, but has a disease called man

We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a happy chance read more

We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person.

What then in the last resort are the truths of mankind? They are the irrefutable errors of mankind.

What then in the last resort are the truths of mankind? They are the irrefutable errors of mankind.

Man is a piece of the universe made alive

Man is a piece of the universe made alive

Little men with little minds and little imaginations go through life in little ruts, smugly resisting all changes which would read more

Little men with little minds and little imaginations go through life in little ruts, smugly resisting all changes which would jar their little worlds

It is possible that mankind is on the threshold of a golden age; but, if so, it will be necessary read more

It is possible that mankind is on the threshold of a golden age; but, if so, it will be necessary first to slay the dragon that guards the door, and this dragon is religion

The race of mankind would perish did they cease to aid each other. We cannot exist without mutual help. All read more

The race of mankind would perish did they cease to aid each other. We cannot exist without mutual help. All therefore that need aid have a right to ask it from their fellow-men; and no one who has the power of granting can refuse it without guilt.