Shut not thy purse-strings always against painted…
“Shut not thy purse-strings always against painted distress. Act a charity sometimes. When a poor creature (outwardly and visibly such) comes before thee, do not stay to inquire whether the "seven small children," in whose name he implores thy assistance, have a veritable existence. Rake not into the bowels of unwelcome truth, to save a halfpenny. It is good to believe him.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Charity should be generous, not overly scrutinizing; sometimes belief is more valuable than proof.
In simple terms: Give generously without demanding proof.
Key Takeaway
Practice compassionate generosity.
Themes
charity
trust
humanity
Mood
thoughtful
empathetic
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- donations
- helping strangers
- community service
Key Concepts
generosity
skepticism
moral duty
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you verify a need before helping?
- How do you balance compassion with prudence?
A Different Perspective
Blind generosity can be exploited.