Generosity Quote by Jay-Z
““Lyor Cohen, who I consider my mentor, once told me something that he was told by a rabbi about the eight degrees of giving in Judaism. The seventh degree is giving anonymously, so you don't know who you're giving to, and the person on the receiving end doesn't know who gave. The value of that is that the person receiving doesn't have to feel some kind of obligation to the giver and the person giving isn't doing it with an ulterior motive. It's a way of putting the giver and receiver on the same level. It's a tough ideal to reach out for, but it does take away some of the patronizing and showboating that can go on with philanthropy in a capitalist system. The highest level of giving, the eight, is giving in a way that makes the receiver self-sufficient.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The 48 Laws of Power Podcast, 2015
Anonymous giving removes expectations, creating equality between giver and receiver, while ultimate self‑sufficiency aims to empower the recipient fully.
In simple terms: Giving without recognition levels power; ultimate goal is recipient independence.
Key Takeaway
Give without seeking credit; aim to empower others.
Themes
eity
humility
philanthropy
empowerment
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- non‑profits
- community aid
- personal mentorship
- corporate CSR
Key Concepts
Altruism
social equality
self‑sufficiency
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure your giving truly empowers?
- What barriers prevent true self‑sufficiency?
A Different Perspective
Anonymous giving may still be perceived as strategic if not transparent.
![“I know that if I feel any deprivation or fear [about money], the solution is to give. The solution is to go find some mothers on the streets of San Raphael and give them tens and twenties and mail off another $50 to Doctors Without Borders to use for the refugees in Kosovo. Because I know that…” quote by Anne Lamott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0c7/anne-lamott-188_borders_i-know-that-if-i-feel-any-deprivation-or_1166824.jpg)
