THIS IS THE BANE THAT HAS BROUGHT ABOUT OUR DOWN FALL AS A NATION

We would do nothing ourselves and would scoff at others who try to do something — this is the bane that has brought about our downfall as a nation. Want of sympathy and lack of energy are at the root of all misery, and you must therefore give these two up. Who but the Lord knows what potentialities there are in particular individuals — let all have opportunities, and leave the rest to the Lord. It is indeed very difficult to have an equal love for all, but without it there is no Mukti.

- Swami Vivekananda
24th Jan., 1896.The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda/Volume 6/Epistles - Second Series/XCII Yogen