Do you realise that when you give a schilling to a beggar…
“Do you realise that when you give a schilling to a beggar you are giving it to yourself?Do you realise that when you help a dog over a stile you yourself are being helped?Do you realise when you kick a man when he is down, you are kicking yourslef?Give him another kick, you deserve it!”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Giving to others reflects self‑benefit; helping others ultimately helps oneself; self‑harm mirrors personal injury.
In simple terms: Helping others helps yourself.
Practice reciprocal kindness.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- daily interactions
- community service
- self‑improvement
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does self‑benefit motivate generosity?
- When does helping become self‑exploitation?
Self‑interest may bias altruism.