The light of lights looks always on the motive, not the deed, the

In the wisdom-filled words of William Butler Yeats, “The light of lights looks always on the motive, not the deed, the shadow of shadows on the deed alone.” Here, Yeats speaks of a profound truth: intention—the motive behind an action—is the true measure of a person’s character, not simply the action itself. In the great unfolding of life, the deeds we perform may be seen by others, but it is the motive behind those actions that determines their true worth. The light of lights, that which shines in eternal truth, knows not the mere surface of our deeds but looks into the very depths of the heart. Meanwhile, the shadow of shadows, representing the darker forces, judges only the deeds, missing the deeper intention behind them.

The ancients understood well the distinction between outward actions and inner intent. In the Hindu tradition, the concept of Karma is not just about the actions we take but about the intentions that guide those actions. In the Bhagavad Gita, the warrior Arjuna is taught by Lord Krishna that one should act with selflessness and devotion, without attachment to the results, for it is the purity of the motive that determines whether an action is righteous or not. Similarly, Plato spoke of the philosopher-king, a ruler who must govern not by mere decree but by wisdom and virtue, understanding that the soul behind actions is what truly matters, not the outward performance of those actions.

The story of Socrates exemplifies this idea perfectly. Socrates was known for his virtue and integrity, but his life was not without its deeds that many considered disruptive. He openly questioned the powerful and the wise of Athens, challenging the status quo, often angering the city's leaders. Yet, it was not the deeds of Socrates—his public questioning and relentless pursuit of truth—that defined his greatness, but the motive behind them. He was not driven by the desire for fame or power but by a deep commitment to truth and a desire to help others realize their own ignorance. For Socrates, the motive behind his actions was clear: to seek wisdom, to uplift the soul, and to better the society. It was this pure motive that made his deeds truly great.

Similarly, in more recent history, the life of Mahatma Gandhi stands as a testament to Yeats' wisdom. Gandhi’s actions during the Indian independence movement—his nonviolent protests, hunger strikes, and civil disobedience—were seen by many as radical and at times disruptive. However, it was the motive behind these actions, rooted in truth and love for humanity, that made his deeds righteous. Gandhi’s deep faith in nonviolence and his desire to liberate people from injustice were the true driving forces behind his actions. His motive—to free his people with compassion and dignity, not through violence or hatred—set his deeds apart as a beacon of moral power, despite the challenges he faced. As Yeats suggests, the light of lights saw not the methods alone, but the deeper purpose that guided his every move.

The distinction between motive and deed is further illustrated in the life of Nelson Mandela. For decades, Mandela was imprisoned for his resistance to apartheid, and his deeds—his acts of defiance against an unjust system—were seen by many as rebellious and even criminal. But Mandela’s motive—his deep commitment to equality and justice—was what ultimately made his actions heroic. It was not the mere fact of his defiance that mattered, but his unwavering devotion to a greater cause that transcended his personal suffering. His freedom was not just the freedom of one man, but the freedom of an entire nation. The motive behind his actions gave his deeds the weight of history, making him one of the most revered leaders in the world.

Yeats' quote calls us to recognize that true greatness lies in the purity of our intentions, not merely in the actions we take. The deeds we perform may be visible to the world, but it is the motive behind those actions that determines their moral and spiritual worth. To act with honesty, compassion, and a sense of purpose elevates the smallest deed to something profound. Even in the face of adversity, it is the motive that endures, while the outward deeds are often fleeting.

The lesson from Yeats is clear: let us look beyond the deeds of others, and even our own, and seek the motive that drives them. In our own lives, we must strive not only to do good, but to ensure that our intentions are rooted in the highest ideals. Let us act not for recognition or reward, but for the greater good. Whether in work, relationships, or society, the purity of our motive will determine the lasting impact of our actions. As we move forward, let us strive to embody the light of lights—looking to the heart and soul of others, and ourselves, knowing that the truest measure of our lives is not what we do, but why we do it.

Let us take action: In all things, let us check our motive before acting, ensuring that it aligns with our highest values. Let us move through the world with integrity, knowing that even the smallest deeds, when done with pure motives, can change the course of history.