Meaning: This quote by Francois Rabelais, a French Renaissance writer and cleric, speaks to the enduring nature of good deeds and the impact they have over time. Rabelais was known for his literary works that often contained elements of satire and humanist philosophy, and this quote reflects his belief in the lasting value of benevolent actions.

Rabelais suggests that while time has the power to erode and diminish many things, it has the opposite effect on good deeds. Instead of fading away, acts of kindness and generosity actually grow and multiply over time. He attributes this growth to the influence of noble thoughts and memories associated with the good turn. In essence, the positive impact of a good deed is not limited to the moment it is performed; rather, it has the potential to expand and resonate through the passage of time.

The concept of good deeds increasing in value over time aligns with the idea of a ripple effect, where a single act of kindness can set off a chain reaction of positivity. Rabelais emphasizes the importance of offering good turns liberally, indicating that the more freely and generously one extends kindness, the greater its potential for growth and influence. This sentiment underscores the belief that the world can be transformed through the cumulative effect of numerous small acts of goodness.

Rabelais also references the role of a reasonable man in this process. By highlighting the recipient's reasonableness, he suggests that good deeds have the greatest impact when they are received with understanding and appreciation. A reasonable person is more likely to recognize and cherish the good that has been done for them, allowing the initial act of kindness to take root and flourish within their thoughts and memories.

The idea that good deeds are amplified by noble thought and memory speaks to the enduring power of positive experiences. When people reflect on acts of kindness, their memories of those moments can inspire further acts of generosity and compassion. In this way, the legacy of a good deed extends beyond the immediate beneficiaries, shaping the attitudes and behaviors of those who bear witness to it.

Rabelais' perspective on the amplifying nature of good deeds may also be seen as a reflection of his humanist beliefs. Humanism, a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, often champions the importance of empathy, compassion, and altruism. Rabelais' assertion that good deeds grow through noble thought and memory aligns with the humanist emphasis on the inherent goodness and potential for growth within individuals.

In conclusion, Francois Rabelais' quote encapsulates a timeless truth about the enduring impact of good deeds. By emphasizing their capacity to grow and expand through noble thought and memory, Rabelais highlights the transformative power of kindness and generosity. This sentiment resonates across cultures and generations, serving as a reminder of the profound and lasting influence of benevolent actions.