--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I like it that they [disciples] feed me…" description: "\"I like it that they [disciples] feed me and pay for my clothes and protect me. And in return I will do for them what I can, but no more than that. Just..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c85/colm-toibin-3377_anecdotes_i-like-it-that-they-disciples-feed-me-an_3082960.png" --- # I like it that they \[disciples\] feed me and pay for my… ![“I like it that they [disciples] feed me and pay for my clothes and protect me. And in return I will do for them what I can, but no more than that. Just as I cannot breathe the breath of another or help the heart of someone else to beat or their bones not to weaken or their flesh not to shrivel, I…” quote by Colm Toibin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c85/colm-toibin-3377_anecdotes_i-like-it-that-they-disciples-feed-me-an_3082960.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c85/colm-toibin-3377_anecdotes_i-like-it-that-they-disciples-feed-me-an_3082960.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c85/colm-toibin-3377_anecdotes_i-like-it-that-they-disciples-feed-me-an_3082960.png) > “I like it that they \[disciples\] feed me and pay for my clothes and protect me. And in return I will do for them what I can, but no more than that. Just as I cannot breathe the breath of another or help the heart of someone else to beat or their bones not to weaken or their flesh not to shrivel, I cannot say more than I can say. And I know how deeply this disturbs them, and it would make me smile, this earnest need for foolish anecdote or sharp simple patterns in the story of what happened to us all, except that I have forgotten how to smile.” [Colm Toibin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colm-toibin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker accepts limited support and reciprocates modestly, acknowledging human limits and the discomfort it causes others. **In simple terms:** Accept help, give only what you can, recognize limits. Key Takeaway Offer what you can, respect boundaries. Themes dependence human limits reciprocity Mood reflective somber thoughtful Type philosophical personal When to use this quote - family care - friendship - workplace mentorship - community support Key Concepts ethics self-awareness empathy Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance gratitude with personal capability? - What boundaries protect both giver and receiver? A Different Perspective Limited help may feel insufficient, leading to guilt or frustration. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Anecdotes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/anecdotes/) [Clothes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clothes/) [Disciple](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disciple/) [Disciples](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disciples/) [Heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heart/) [Patterns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patterns/) [Smile](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/smile/) [Stories](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stories/) ## Related quotes > [The most effective way to share the gospel is to live it. When we live like disciples of Christ should live, when we aren't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sheri-l-dew/the-most-effective-way-to-share-the-gospel-is-to-live-it-when-we-live/) [Sheri L. 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