"An institution or reform movement that is not selfish, must originate in the recognition of some evil that is adding to the sum of human suffering, or diminishing the sum of happiness"

This quote by Clara Barton speaks to the importance of acknowledging and attending to the suffering of others. She suggests that any institution or reform motion that is not self-centered need to be inspired by a desire to reduce the amount of suffering worldwide. This could be done by acknowledging an evil that is triggering suffering and working to eliminate it. This might be anything from poverty to discrimination to violence. By acknowledging the evil and working to lower it, we can add to the sum of human happiness. This quote emphasizes the significance of acknowledging the suffering of others and doing something about it to minimize it. It is a pointer that we all have an obligation to work towards a much better world.