"I have always heard, Sancho, that doing good to base fellows is like throwing water into the sea"

This quote by Miguel de Cervantes is a pointer that doing kind deeds for those who are undeserving or unappreciative is typically an useless endeavor. It is a metaphor for how doing excellent to those who are not deserving of it is like throwing water into the sea. The sea is vast and deep, and the water tossed into it will rapidly be lost and forgotten. Similarly, when we do good deeds for those who are not deserving, our efforts are frequently lost and unappreciated. This quote is a pointer to be mindful of who we are doing kind deeds for, and to focus our efforts on those who are genuinely deserving. It is likewise a tip to be humble and to not expect anything in return for our kindness. Doing excellent should be done out of generosity and not for recognition or reward.