Marcus asked why we look for outside payment for being decent, as if a good act needed applause to count. The eye doesn't demand thanks for seeing, the vine doesn't ask credit for its grapes; they just do what they're for. He wanted to be that natural about goodness, doing the right thing and moving on, not standing around waiting to be noticed. This frees you from a quiet, draining bargain where every kindness comes with an invoice. The act itself is the return. You did something honest and good, and you got to be that kind of person. That's the whole prize. Today, do a good thing and resist the urge to be thanked for it.

Inspired by the old idea of virtue as the only good. Written by Ugo Charles.