Do Good

The well-known Spanish quote “Do good without seeing to whom” (Haz el bien sin mirar a quien) is an important teaching.

In the Spanish quote, the “without seeing to whom” part refers to helping out whomever may need your help, without discriminating. But this famous quote is often misinterpreted to mean helping anyone and everyone. Doing good deeds, however, does have its limits and usually the limits are all about the recipient. If the receiver of your generosity is going through hard times, your help can be useful. On the other hand, if the recipient always relies on others to save the day, you won’t be helping but hurting her by encouraging dependent behavior. Even if you are the generous and fair type, always stop to ask yourself if you are helping or hurting someone whose behavior won’t change unless you stop saving him or her constantly.

Another interpretation of the quote is to help without expecting anything in return. When you help someone you likely don’t expect money or any other sort of remuneration, but it’s only human to expect to be thanked and to feel good about what you’ve done. Still, if you find yourself feeling bad when your altruism is not acknowledged, consider if you are doing these good deeds to truly be helpful or for the recognition. Being clear about your motives makes your actions clean and authentic.

And being your authentic self is the most good you can do.