Charity Quote by George Eliot
“... we all know the wag's definition of a philanthropist: a man whose charity increases directly as the square of the distance.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Adam Bede, 1859
Charitable acts often increase with distance, reflecting a self‑serving motive.
In simple terms: People give more when far away.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden motives in generosity.
Themes
philanthropy
motivation
distance
self‑interest
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- donations
- corporate CSR
- online fundraising
- community projects
Key Concepts
psychology
social behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we value visible generosity?
- Can distance truly reduce empathy?
A Different Perspective
Charity can be genuine despite distance.
![“[W]e must learn to accommodate ourselves to the discovery that some of those cunningly-fashioned instruments called human souls have only a very limited range of music, and will not vibrate in the least under a touch that fills others with tremulous rapture or quivering agony.” quote by George Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9be/george-eliot-84_agony_w-e-must-learn-to-accommodate-ourselves_12409.jpg)
