Leadership and human behavior scholar, Dr. Samuel N. Jacobs-Abbey, has drawn attention to a timeless truth many people overlook: society does not judge us by the goodness we carry in our hearts, but by the actions we take.
In a reflective piece titled “The Mirror and the Shadow,” Dr. Jacobs-Abbey explains that while individuals measure themselves by their intentions, the world measures them by the results of those intentions their actions. He argues that people often see themselves through the “mirror” of their conscience, filled with noble plans and good motives, but the world sees only the “shadow” their actions cast.
According to him, many of the pains we experience in relationships, leadership, and daily life come from this mismatch.
“You stand before the mirror of your own conscience, seeing the purity of your intentions,” he writes. “But the world sees only your shadow the outline of your actions cast upon the earth.”
Dr. Jacobs-Abbey notes that society cannot witness the inner battles, sacrifices and heartfelt motives we often rely on to defend ourselves. What people experience is what we do not what we meant to do.
He uses relatable examples:
A farmer who intends to plant but never does exposes his family to hunger. A friend who plans to call but never follows through eventually loses the relationship. In both cases, intentions have no power without action.
Drawing from various philosophical and spiritual traditions, Dr. Jacobs-Abbey stresses that “virtue without action is merely philosophy scribbled in sand.” The universe, he says, doesn’t reward what people intended to do only what they actually did.
He urges readers to stop hiding behind excuses such as “I meant well,” and to instead bridge the gap between their ideal selves and their lived behavior.
“You cannot control how others perceive you,” he notes, “but you can control what you give them to perceive.”
The message is clear: good intentions must evolve into visible deeds. The world cannot read hearts, but it can read behavior.
Dr. Jacobs-Abbey concludes with a call to action:
“The time for meaning well has passed. The era of doing well begins now. Your intentions are the seed — but only your actions will determine the harvest.”
The piece invites readers to reflect deeply on their lives and challenges them to turn silent intentions into meaningful, transformative actions others can feel, see and trust.