Boys Quote by Hector Hugh Munro
“I am not collecting copies of the cheaper editions of Omar Khayyám. I gave the last four that I received to the lift-boy, and I like to think of him reading them, with FitzGerald's notes, to his aged mother. Lift-boys always have aged mothers; shows such nice feeling on their part, I think.”
About This Quote
Source Short Story: "The Lift" by S. T. A. (Hector Hugh Munro), 1912
The narrator gives away cheap copies of poetry to a lift-boy, imagining him sharing them with his elderly mother, highlighting kindness and empathy for ordinary people.
In simple terms: Giving books to a lift-boy shows compassion and imagination.
Share small kindnesses with strangers.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- urban life
- gift giving
- intergenerational bonds
- quiet generosity
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you imagine the impact of small gifts on strangers?
- How can empathy be expressed in daily routines?
Such gestures may be seen as patronizing if not genuine.