“To feel much for others and little for ourselves, to restrain our selfishness and exercise our benevolent affections, constitute the perfection of human nature, and can alone give us that tranquility which is the natural and proper object of human desire”

Simplified Meaning:

This quote is saying that the best way to be truly happy and peaceful is to care deeply about other people's needs and feelings while being less focused on our own. It highlights the importance of being generous, kind, and selfless rather than being selfish. Imagine a person who always helps their friends and family, volunteers in their community, and is always quick to lend a hand to those in need. This person finds joy in seeing others happy. Meanwhile, someone who only thinks about themselves and never helps others might have material success, but they often feel lonely and unsatisfied. By putting others first and practicing kindness, we not only improve their lives but also find a deeper sense of satisfaction and calm in our own. Helping others can make our lives feel more meaningful and connected. For example, a nurse who cares for patients with love and concern might feel more fulfilled about their job than someone who is just working for a paycheck. So, to find true peace and happiness, we should strive to be more caring and less self-centered.