There remain times when one can only endure. One lives on, one doesn’t die, and the only thing that one can do, is to fill one’s mind and time as far as possible with the concerns of other people. It doesn’t bring immediate peace, but it brings the dawn nearer.
—A. C. Benson (1862–1925) English Essayist, Poet, Author
What we gave, we have; What we spent, we had; What we left, we lost.
—Tryon Edwards American Theologian
Not what we give, but what we share,—For the gift without the giver is bare.
—James Russell Lowell (1819–91) American Poet, Critic
If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.
—Laozi (fl.6th Century BCE) Chinese Philosopher, Sage
Believe, when you are most unhappy, that there is something for you to do in the world. So long as you can sweeten another’s pain, life is not in vain.
—Helen Keller (1880–1968) American Author
To give is to receive…
—Gerald Jampolsky (b.1925) American Psychiatrist
Live for thy neighbor if thou wouldst live for thyself.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
He gives little who gives with a frown; he gives much who gives little with a smile.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
The smartest thing I ever said was, “Help Me!”
—Unknown
Behold, I do not give lectures or a little charity, When I give, I give myself.
—Walt Whitman (1819–92) American Poet, Essayist, Journalist, American, Poet, Essayist, Journalist
Give, and you may keep your friend it you lose your money; lend, and the chances are that you lose your friend if ever you get back your money
—Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton (1803–73) British Novelist, Poet, Politician
I don’t think you ever stop giving. I really don’t. I think it’s an on-going process. And it’s not just about being able to write a check. It’s being able to touch somebody’s life.
—Oprah Winfrey (b.1954) American TV Personality
Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness—great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation, and great joy.
—Jim Rohn (1930–2009) American Entrepreneur, Author, Motivational Speaker
To receive everything, one must open one’s hands and give.
—Taisen Deshimaru (1914–82) Japanese Buddhist Teacher
Give, and it shall be given unto you.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
The habit of being uniformly considerate toward others will bring increased happiness to you.
—Grenville Kleiser (1868–1935) Canadian Author
And they said one to another, we are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
An effort made for the happiness of others lifts us above ourselves.
—Lydia Maria Child (1802–80) American Abolitionist, Writer
Thank the Lord that you can give, instead of depending on others to give to you.
—Anonymous
Often we can help each other most by leaving each other alone; at other times we need the hand-grasp and the word of cheer.
—Elbert Hubbard (1856–1915) American Writer, Publisher, Artist, Philosopher
Sow much, reap much; sow little, reap little.
—Chinese Proverb
Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.
—Elizabeth Bibesco (1897–1945) English Poet, Short Story Writer, Novelist
Set about doing good to somebody. Put on your hat, and go and visit the sick and poor of your neighborhood; inquire into their circumstances, and minister to their wants. Seek out the desolate, and afflicted, and oppressed, and tell them of the consolations of religion. I have often tried this method, and have always found it the best medicine for a heavy heart.
—John Howard
The most exquisite pleasure is giving pleasure to others.
—Jean de La Bruyere (1645–96) French Satiric Moralist, Author
Why is it no one ever sent me yet one perfect limousine, do you suppose? Ah no, it’s always just my luck to get one perfect rose.
—Dorothy Parker (1893–1967) American Humorist, Journalist
We not only need to be willing to give, but also to be open to receiving from others.
—Anonymous
It’s better to give than to receive. Let me put this as elegantly as possible: “What a crock!” That statement is total hogwash, and in case you haven’t noticed, it’s usually propagated by people and groups who want you to give and them to receive. The whole idea is ludicrous. What’s better, hot or cold, big or small, left or right, in or out? Giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin. Whoever decided that it is better to give than to receive was simply bad at math. For every giver there must be a receiver, and for every receiver there must be a giver.
—T. Harv Eker (b.1954) American Motivational Speaker, Lecturer, Author
Why you are born and why you are living depend entirely on what you are getting out of this world and what you are giving to it. I cannot prove that this is a balance of mathematical perfection, but my own observation of life leads me to the conclusion that there is a very real relationship, both quantitatively and qualitatively, between what you contribute and what you get out of this world.
—Oscar Hammerstein II (1895–1960) American Songwriter, Composer, Theater Producer, Writer
Sacrifice is giving up something good for something better.
—Unknown
The Lord shall open unto you his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shall lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith