---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: He who will not grant a favour has no…"
description: "\"He who will not grant a favour has no right to ask one.\" — Publilius Syrus"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0da/publilius-syrus-594_asks_he-who-will-not-grant-a-favour-has-no-ri_2043617.png"
---

#  He who will not grant a favour has no right to ask one.

![“He who will not grant a favour has no right to ask one.” quote by Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0da/publilius-syrus-594_asks_he-who-will-not-grant-a-favour-has-no-ri_2043617.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0da/publilius-syrus-594_asks_he-who-will-not-grant-a-favour-has-no-ri_2043617.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0da/publilius-syrus-594_asks_he-who-will-not-grant-a-favour-has-no-ri_2043617.png)

> “He who will not grant a favour has no right to ask one.”

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

One cannot demand favors without having the right to ask for them.

**In simple terms:** No right to ask without granting.

Key Takeaway

Earn the right to request by giving first.

Themes

reciprocity fairness social contracts

Mood

thoughtful ethical

Type

aphilosophical advisory

When to use this quote

- personal relationships
- workplace negotiations
- community leadership

Key Concepts

Moral philosophy social exchange

Questions to Reflect On

- What can you give before you ask?
- Is it fair to demand without offering?

A Different Perspective

People may feel coerced if reciprocity is forced.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Asks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/asks/) [Favour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/favour/) [Favour Right](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/favour-right-3815752/) [Grant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grant/) [Grant Favour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grant-favour-3815751/) [Grants](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grants/) [Right Ask](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/right-ask-234210/)

## Related quotes

> [Great God, grant that twice two be not four.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ivan-turgenev/great-god-grant-that-twice-two-be-not-four/)

[Ivan Turgenev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ivan-turgenev/)

> [No one can deny you or grant you anything. It all comes to you by virtue of your vibration.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/esther-hicks/no-one-can-deny-you-or-grant-you-anything-it-all-comes-to-you-by/)

[Esther Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/esther-hicks/)

> [It is with great regret that my marriage to Grant is ending after more than six years. He is a special man and we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jillian-barberie/it-is-with-great-regret-that-my-marriage-to-grant-is-ending-after/)

[Jillian Barberie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jillian-barberie/)

> [I loved sinking my head into Cary Grant's chest.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-arthur/i-loved-sinking-my-head-into-cary-grant-s-chest/)

[Jean Arthur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-arthur/)

> [Grant was something rare in that or any war. He could learn from experience.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shelby-foote/grant-was-something-rare-in-that-or-any-war-he-could-learn-from/)

[Shelby Foote](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shelby-foote/)

> [The fact is I am growing old too fast, alas! I feel it, and yet work I will, and may God grant me life…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/the-fact-is-i-am-growing-old-too-fast-alas-i-feel-it-and-yet-work-i/)

[John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/)

> [Pell grants are the foundation of Federal student aid. As someone who attended college with the help of Pell grants and as chairman of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ric-keller/pell-grants-are-the-foundation-of-federal-student-aid-as-someone-who/)

[Ric Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ric-keller/)

> [I was the Chair of the WIFF Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of Women In Film. The foundation runs the several programs including…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sharon-lawrence/i-was-the-chair-of-the-wiff-foundation-which-is-the-philanthropic-arm/)

[Sharon Lawrence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sharon-lawrence/)

> [Grant stood by me when I was crazy...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-tecumseh-sherman/grant-stood-by-me-when-i-was-crazy/)

[William Tecumseh Sherman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-tecumseh-sherman/)

> [Grant me paradise in this world; I'm not so sure I'll reach it in the next.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tintoretto/grant-me-paradise-in-this-world-i-m-not-so-sure-i-ll-reach-it-in-the/)

[Tintoretto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tintoretto/)

> [I know General Grant better than any other person in the country can know him. It was my duty to study him, and I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-m-stanton/i-know-general-grant-better-than-any-other-person-in-the-country-can/)

[Edwin M. Stanton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-m-stanton/)

> [If a favour is asked of you, grant it if you can. If not, refuse it in such a manner as that one denial…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-burgh/if-a-favour-is-asked-of-you-grant-it-if-you-can-if-not-refuse-it-in/)

[James Burgh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-burgh/)

> [Fortune, by being too lavish of her favours on a man, only makes a fool of him.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/fortune-by-being-too-lavish-of-her-favours-on-a-man-only-makes-a-fool/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [Modesty once lost, never returns into favour.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/modesty-once-lost-never-returns-into-favour/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [If you do something right once, someone will ask you to do it again.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/azgraybebly-joslan/if-you-do-something-right-once-someone-will-ask-you-to-do-it-again/)

[Azgraybebly Joslan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/azgraybebly-joslan/)

## More by Publilius Syrus

> [Even speed, when we are anxious, seems like delay.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/even-speed-when-we-are-anxious-seems-like-delay/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [The coward regards himself as cautious, the miser as thrifty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/the-coward-regards-himself-as-cautious-the-miser-as-thrifty/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [It is his nature, not his standing, that makes the good man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/it-is-his-nature-not-his-standing-that-makes-the-good-man/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [It is more tolerable to be refused than deceived.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/it-is-more-tolerable-to-be-refused-than-deceived/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [Modesty once lost, never returns into favour.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/modesty-once-lost-never-returns-into-favour/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [One ungrateful person does an injury to all needy people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/one-ungrateful-person-does-an-injury-to-all-needy-people/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [He has existed only, not lived, who lacks wisdom in old age.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/he-has-existed-only-not-lived-who-lacks-wisdom-in-old-age/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [Any plan is bad which is incapable of modification.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/any-plan-is-bad-which-is-incapable-of-modification/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [The evil you do to others you may expect in return.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/the-evil-you-do-to-others-you-may-expect-in-return/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [The power of habit is very strong.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/the-power-of-habit-is-very-strong/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [Take care that no one hates you justly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/take-care-that-no-one-hates-you-justly/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [Poverty wants much; but avarice, everything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/poverty-wants-much-but-avarice-everything/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [He who has plenty of pepper will pepper his cabbage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/he-who-has-plenty-of-pepper-will-pepper-his-cabbage/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [Hasty conclusions lead to speedy repentance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/hasty-conclusions-lead-to-speedy-repentance/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

> [When reason rules, money is a blessing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/when-reason-rules-money-is-a-blessing/)

[Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

[Explore all 455 Publilius Syrus quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/)

## More Asks quotes

> [If you ask an introvert a question, wait until she thinks about it. Introverts think before speaking, not through speaking. If you want to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurie-helgoe/if-you-ask-an-introvert-a-question-wait-until-she-thinks-about-it/)

[Laurie Helgoe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurie-helgoe/)

> [I don't wear a watch because I want my arms to weigh the same. So if somebody asks me what time it is, I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitch-hedberg/i-don-t-wear-a-watch-because-i-want-my-arms-to-weigh-the-same-so-if/)

[Mitch Hedberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitch-hedberg/)

> [I am a practicing Catholic, but my lineage is Jewish, so if someone asks me if I'm Jewish, I say yes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neve-campbell/i-am-a-practicing-catholic-but-my-lineage-is-jewish-so-if-someone/)

[Neve Campbell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neve-campbell/)

> [Freedom in every sense but primarily political sense, a rise in repression that stems from a repression of sexuality. It's AIDS, it's herpes, it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-nicholson/freedom-in-every-sense-but-primarily-political-sense-a-rise-in/)

[Jack Nicholson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-nicholson/)

> [Why did Erich von Stronheim leave Germany? Why did Hitchcock leave England? If you were a director you'd like to work in Hollywood too.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roman-polanski/why-did-erich-von-stronheim-leave-germany-why-did-hitchcock-leave/)

[Roman Polanski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roman-polanski/)

> [There is nothing more I ask of this life than this moment, exactly so. And suddenly forever seems like too short a time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-andreas/there-is-nothing-more-i-ask-of-this-life-than-this-moment-exactly-so/)

[Brian Andreas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-andreas/)

> [Success will come when the societal attitude changes and not a single woman in America asks herself the question 'What did I do?'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-biden/success-will-come-when-the-societal-attitude-changes-and-not-a-single/)

[Joe Biden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-biden/)

> [The most fundamental question we can ever ask ourselves is whether or not the universe we live in is friendly or hostile.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/the-most-fundamental-question-we-can-ever-ask-ourselves-is-whether-or/)

[Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/)

> [The rich people are apparently leaving America. They're giving up their citizenship. These great lovers of America who made their money in this country-when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernie-sanders/the-rich-people-are-apparently-leaving-america-they-re-giving-up/)

[Bernie Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernie-sanders/)

> [There is a way to be a woman, ask for what we deserve and be able to negotiate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tracee-ellis-ross/there-is-a-way-to-be-a-woman-ask-for-what-we-deserve-and-be-able-to/)

[Tracee Ellis Ross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tracee-ellis-ross/)

> [For someone to ask 'Who did you play for' and to be able to answer a single name 'Liverpool' that would be brilliant...I don't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jamie-carragher/for-someone-to-ask-who-did-you-play-for-and-to-be-able-to-answer-a/)

[Jamie Carragher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jamie-carragher/)

> [I have no hesitation in saying that although the American woman never leaves her domestic sphere and is in some respects very dependent within…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexis-de-tocqueville/i-have-no-hesitation-in-saying-that-although-the-american-woman-never/)

[Alexis de Tocqueville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexis-de-tocqueville/)

> [Ask God for temp'rance. That's th' appliance only Which your disease requires.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/ask-god-for-temp-rance-that-s-th-appliance-only-which-your-disease/)

[William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/)

> [I don't know how to say it exactly. Only...I want to die as myself. Does that make any sense?' he asks. I shake my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-collins/i-don-t-know-how-to-say-it-exactly-only-i-want-to-die-as-myself-does/)

[Suzanne Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-collins/)

> [Physicist Isador Isaac Rabi, who won a Nobel Prize for inventing a technique that permitted scientists to probe the structure of atoms and molecules…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-saul-wurman/physicist-isador-isaac-rabi-who-won-a-nobel-prize-for-inventing-a/)

[Richard Saul Wurman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-saul-wurman/)

[Browse all 7,138 Asks quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/asks/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "He who will not grant a favour has no right to ask one.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Publilius Syrus"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/he-who-will-not-grant-a-favour-has-no-right-to-ask-one/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Asks"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/he-who-will-not-grant-a-favour-has-no-right-to-ask-one/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0da/publilius-syrus-594_asks_he-who-will-not-grant-a-favour-has-no-ri_2043617.png",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0da/publilius-syrus-594_asks_he-who-will-not-grant-a-favour-has-no-ri_2043617.png",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0da/publilius-syrus-594_asks_he-who-will-not-grant-a-favour-has-no-ri_2043617.png",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“He who will not grant a favour has no right to ask one.” — Publilius Syrus",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Publilius Syrus",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "He who will not grant a...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/he-who-will-not-grant-a-favour-has-no-right-to-ask-one/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/he-who-will-not-grant-a-favour-has-no-right-to-ask-one/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
