What we gave, we have; What we spent, we had; What we left, we lost.
—Tryon Edwards (1809–94) American Theologian, Author
Give naught, get same. Give much get same.
—Malcolm S. Forbes (1919–1990) American Publisher, Businessperson
Behold, I do not give lectures or a little charity, When I give, I give myself.
—Walt Whitman (1819–92) American Poet, Essayist, Journalist
Be unselfish. That is the first and final commandment for those who would be useful and happy in their usefulness. If you think of yourself only, you cannot develop because you are choking the source of development, which is spiritual expansion through thought for others.
—Charles William Eliot (1834–1926) American Educationalist
The sage never tries to store things up. The more he does for others, the more he has. The more he gives to others, the greater his abundance.
—Laozi (fl.6th Century BCE) Chinese Philosopher, Sage
EARN as much as you can. SAVE as much as you can. INVEST as much as you can. GIVE as much as you can.
—John Wesley (1703–91) British Methodist Leader, Preacher, Theologian
Give light and people will find their own way.
—Unknown
Giving is true having.
—Charles Spurgeon (1834–92) English Baptist Preacher
Doing good is the only certainly happy action of a man’s life.
—Philip Sidney (1554–86) English Soldier Poet, Courtier
True religion is not a mere doctrine, something that can be taught, but is a way of life. A life in community with God. It must be experienced to be appreciated. A life of service. A living by giving and finding one’s own happiness by bringing happiness into the lives of others.
—William J. H. Boetcker (1873–1962) American Presbyterian Minister
When you give of your possessions, you give but little; it is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
—Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931) Lebanese-American Philosopher, Poet, Sculptor
A check or credit card, a Gucci bag strap, anything of value will do. Give as you live.
—Jesse Jackson (b.1941) American Civil Rights Leader, Minister
He that loveth, flieth, runneth, and rejoiceth. He is free, and cannot be held in. He giveth all for all, and hath all in all, because he resteth in one highest above all things, from whom all that is good flows and proceeds.
—Thomas a Kempis (1379–1471) German Religious Priest, Writer
Sharing is sometimes more demanding than giving.
—Mary Catherine Bateson (1939–2021) American Cultural Anthropologist, Author
Those who give only when asked have already waited too long.
—Unknown
The giving is the hardest part; what does it cost to add a smile?
—Jean de La Bruyere (1645–96) French Satiric Moralist, Author
Giving without expectations not just brings highest joys but finds always a friendly karmic echo.
—Hans Taeger
There would be no advantage to be gained by sowing a field of wheat if the harvest did not return more than was sown.
—Napoleon Hill (1883–1970) American Author, Journalist, Attorney, Lecturer
He that gives quickly gives twice.
—Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616) Spanish Novelist
There is only one real deprivation, I decided this morning, and that is not to be able to give one’s gifts to those one loves most.
—May Sarton (1912–95) American Children’s Books Writer, Poet, Novelist
Happiness is not so much in having as sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
—Norman MacEwen (1881–1953) British Military Leader
When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die.
—Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) American First Lady, Diplomat, Humanitarian
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
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
—Emily Dickinson (1830–86) American Poet
Real unselfishness consists in sharing the interests of others.
—George Santayana (1863–1952) Spanish-American Poet, Philosopher
Whenever I hear people talking about liberal ideas, I am always astounded that men should love to fool themselves with empty sounds. An idea should never be liberal; it must be vigorous, positive, and without loose ends so that it may fulfill its divine mission and be productive. The proper place for liberality is in the realm of the emotions.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
Whoever makes great presents expects great presents in return.
—Martial (40–104) Ancient Roman Latin Poet
It is enough that I am of value to somebody today.
—Hugh Prather (b.1938) American Christian Author, Minister, Counselor
Be charitable and indulgent to everyone but thyself.
—Joseph Joubert (1754–1824) French Writer, Moralist
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
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