Can we do good to the world? In an absolute sense, no; in a relative sense, yes. No permanent or everlasting good can be done to the world; if it could be done, the world would not be this world. We may satisfy the hunger of a man, but he will be hungry again. Every pleasure may be seen to be momentary. No one can permanently cure this ever-recurring fever of pleasure and pain.

Karma Yoga. New York, 1896.