Alms Quote by Robert Green Ingersoll
“So, ministers say that they teach charity. This is natural. They live on alms. All beggars teach that others should give.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public lecture on charity, 1885
Charity is taught by those who rely on alms; beggars themselves demonstrate the need for giving, highlighting a natural cycle of dependence and generosity.
In simple terms: Charity taught by those who need it.
Key Takeaway
Recognize mutual responsibility in giving.
Themes
charity
social responsibility
poverty
dependence
human nature
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- Volunteering
- donating to shelters
- advocating for social welfare
Key Concepts
Almsgiving
social contract
ethical reciprocity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can society address root causes of poverty?
- What role should institutions play in charity?
A Different Perspective
May overlook systemic causes of poverty, focusing on individual giving.
![“Give a drink of water as alms to the birds which go forth at morning, and deem that they have a better right than men [to thy charity]. For their race brings not harm upon thee in any wise, when thou fearest it from thine own race.” quote by Al-Maʿarri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/915/al-ma-arri-47224_alms_give-a-drink-of-water-as-alms-to-the-bir_171746.jpg)