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Affection Quote by Nancy Mairs

“The charity that begins at home cannot rest there but draws one inexorably over the threshold and off the porch and down the street and so out and out and out and out into the world which becomes the home wherein charity begins until it becomes possible, in theory at least, to love the whole of…” quote by Nancy Mairs
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“The charity that begins at home cannot rest there but draws one inexorably over the threshold and off the porch and down the street and so out and out and out and out into the world which becomes the home wherein charity begins until it becomes possible, in theory at least, to love the whole of creation with the same patience, affection, and amusement one first practiced, in between the pouts and tantrums, with parents, siblings, spouse, and children.”

Nancy Mairs

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Gift of Being” by Nancy Mairs, 1995

Charity begins at home and expands outward, eventually encompassing all creation with patience and humor.

In simple terms: Start caring at home, then extend outward.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate compassion gradually.

Themes

family community globalism

Mood

warm reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • neighborhood projects
  • global outreach

Key Concepts

ethical development psychology of generosity spiritual growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to maintain balance while expanding care?
  • What practices sustain long‑term generosity?
A Different Perspective

Charity can become overwhelming.

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