Can not Quote by Alice Hegan Rice
“Cheerfulness is a debt we owe to society, in the paying of which we receive a generous discount. We can not open our hearts to give out cheer without more cheer rushing in to take its place.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch, 1901
Cheerfulness is a societal debt that returns generosity when shared.
In simple terms: Giving cheer earns more cheer.
Key Takeaway
Spread joy to receive joy.
Themes
generosity
community
empathy
Mood
warm
encouraging
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- social gatherings
- daily interactions
Key Concepts
social reciprocity
emotional economy
Questions to Reflect On
- What small acts of kindness can you offer today?
- How does shared positivity affect community morale?
A Different Perspective
Cheerfulness can feel forced if insincere.
![“He [Moliere] pleases all the world, but cannot please himself.” quote by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/812/nicolas-boileau-despreaux-1070_can-not_he-moliere-pleases-all-the-world-but-can_20665.jpg)
