Giving (n.) is largely selfish — If all alms were given only from pity, all beggars would have starved long ago.
Giving (n.) is a touchy matter. One inflames one against the giver when one declines a gift simply because it was not offered in the proper way.
Giving (n.) is cowardice. The greatest giver of alms is cowardice.
Giving (n.) is hardest of all when, out of love, one must close the open hand and keep modest as a giver.
Giving (n.) brings pleasure, when it means parting with property or waiving a right, if it denotes great wealth.
Giving (n.) is the highest virtue: uncommon, unprofiting, beaming and soft of lustre.
Giving (n.) the greatest things is forgotten the moment we take the slightest thing from someone — he goes blind to all we gave.
Giving (n.) is hardest when it must stop: to close the open hand out of love, and keep a bestower's sense of shame.
Giving (n.) and receiving are separated by a cleft — and the smallest cleft is the last to be bridged.
Giving (n.) and receiving are separated by a cleft — and the narrowest cleft is the last to be bridged.