"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done"

The core idea here is about making a decision or taking an action that surpasses anything you've done before in terms of its moral or ethical significance. It's about stepping up and doing something incredibly important or self-sacrificing that you know is right, even if it's tough.

So, where does this come from? This line is from Charles Dickens' novel "A Tale of Two Cities," spoken by the character Sydney Carton. He says this just before he sacrifices his life to save another man's. It's a moment of profound redemption for Carton, a character who has led a pretty unremarkable and, frankly, disappointing life up until this point. In essence, he's saying that this final act of giving his life is the best thing he's ever done—better than anything else in his flawed existence.

Now, let’s break it down with a concrete example. Imagine a firefighter rushing into a burning building. The flames are intense, the heat is overwhelming, but there's someone trapped inside. The firefighter knows the risks, understands the danger, but decides to go in anyway. That moment of bravery, of putting someone else's life above their own safety, is the "far better thing" they do. It's not about recognition or reward; it’s about doing what's right in the face of immense peril.

So, how can we apply this wisdom in our lives? You don't have to be a hero in a traditional sense. Think about the opportunities you have to make a difference. Maybe it’s standing up for someone who's being bullied, even if it means you might lose some friends. Or perhaps it's dedicating your time to volunteer at a homeless shelter, sacrificing your weekends to help those in need. These moments of selflessness and courage are the "better things" we can do.

Here's a relatable story to drive this home. Picture Sarah, a young woman who works a typical 9-to-5 office job. She likes her routine and values her personal time. One evening, she sees a colleague, Jess, visibly distressed and overwhelmed with work. Though Sarah has plans that night, she decides to stay and help Jess. They work late into the night, finishing everything together. Jess, incredibly grateful, reveals that she was dealing with a family crisis and couldn’t handle the workload alone. Sarah’s decision to stay was a small sacrifice, but for Jess, it made all the difference.

Every day, we face choices that test our character. Sometimes, the better thing is something small, like lending a hand. Other times, it might be a grand gesture that demands significant sacrifice. The key is to recognize these moments and rise to the occasion. Think about what legacy you want to leave behind. What’s that "far better thing" you could do that you’ll be proud of?

So next time you’re confronted with a tough decision, remember Sydney Carton’s words. It’s about going beyond your usual self—doing something that stands out because it’s right, not easy. Life is full of these pivotal moments. It’s up to us to seize them.