Unprofitable servants

"If people think they can be all-powerful masters of life, that life is given to them for the lust of the flesh, then it is obvious that every act of sacrifice for another will seem to them a deed worthy of a reward and without reward they will not do anything. . . . One must understand that man can do nothing on his own and that if he gives away his mortal life for the good, then there should be no thanks or reward expected." - Leo Tolstoy, The Gospel in Brief, pg. 96