“Therefore the task for me is not to change my own life, as I thought at first, but as far as I can to aid in improving the position of those unfortunates who have evoked my sympathy. The fact of the matter is that I am a very good, kind man, and wish to benefit my neighbours.” So I began to devise a plan of philanthropic activity in which I could exhibit my goodness.
— Leo Tolstoy, What Then Must We Do?
Virtue Signaling in the 19th Century
