Many men have been capable of doing a wise thing, more a…
“Many men have been capable of doing a wise thing, more a cunning thing, but very few a generous thing.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Few people achieve true generosity; most act out of self‑interest or cleverness rather than genuine kindness.
In simple terms: Generosity is rare compared to cleverness or selfishness.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate true generosity.
Themes
virtue
human nature
ethics
generosity
wisdom
Mood
thoughtful
serious
inspirational
Type
ethical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership decisions
- community service
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
self‑interest
cunning
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Why is generosity less common than self‑interest?
- What risks accompany generous acts?
A Different Perspective
Generosity can be costly and may be exploited by others.