Better to me the poor mans crust, Better the blessing of…
“Better to me the poor mans crust, Better the blessing of the poor, Though I turn me empty from his door; That is no true alms which the hand can hold; He gives nothing but worthless gold Who gives from a sense of duty; But he who gives a slender mite, And gives to that which is out of sight, That thread of the all-sustaining Beauty Which runs through all and doth all unite, - The hand cannot clasp the whole of his alms, The heart outstretches its eager palms, For a god goes with it and makes it store To the soul that was starving in darkness before.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True generosity comes from giving what one cannot see, not from material offerings.
In simple terms: Give unseen kindness, not just material gifts.
Key Takeaway
Value heartfelt giving over visible wealth.
Themes
generosity
spirituality
humility
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- charity work
- community support
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
altruism
intangible value
inner wealth
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you give unseen support?
- What does “slender mite” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Material gifts cannot replace inner compassion.