Circles Quote by Lewis Hyde
“The gift moves towards the empty place. As it turns in its circle it turns towards him who has been empty-handed the longest, and if someone appears elsewhere whose need is greater it leaves its old channel and moves toward him. Our generosity may leave us empty, but our emptiness then pulls gently at the whole until the thing in motion returns to replenish us. Social nature abhors a vacuum.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Gift and the Void”, 2000
Generosity creates emptiness that draws back the gift, illustrating social interdependence and the need for mutual exchange.
In simple terms: Giving creates emptiness that attracts more giving.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate reciprocal generosity.
Themes
generosity
interdependence
social dynamics
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
essay
philosophical
When to use this quote
- community building
- charitable work
- team projects
- resource sharing
Key Concepts
anthropology
economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance giving and receiving?
- What social mechanisms prevent a vacuum?
A Different Perspective
Excessive giving may lead to personal depletion.
![“Tell them you came, and saw, and looked into my eyes and saw the shadow of the guard receding. Thoughts in time and out of season, the hitchinker stood by the side of the road and levelled his thumb in the calm calculus of reason. [...] Why does my mind circle around you? Why do planets wonder…” quote by Jim Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9ae/jim-morrison-1692_bird_tell-them-you-came-and-saw-and-looked-in_18280.jpg)