Generosity Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
““To part with money is a sacrifice beyond almost all men endowed with a sense of order. There is scarcely any man alive who does not think himself meritorious for giving his neighbour five pounds. Thriftless gives, not from a beneficent pleasure in giving, but from a lazy delight in spending. He would not deny himself one enjoyment; not his opera-stall, not his horse, not his dinner, not even the pleasure of giving Lazarus the five pounds. Thrifty, who is good, wise, just, and owes no man a penny, turns from a beggar, haggles with a hackney-coachman, or denies a poor relation, and I doubt which is the most selfish of the two. Money has only a different value in the eyes of each.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of Pendennis, 1848
We often sacrifice money to maintain a self‑image of generosity, yet true thrift is about wise, just use without selfishness.
In simple terms: People give to seem good, not from genuine generosity.
Key Takeaway
Recognize true generosity versus self‑serving giving.
Themes
generosity
thrift
self‑image
morality
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- charitable donations
- personal budgeting
- family financial decisions
Key Concepts
selfishness
virtue
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you give to be praised or from genuine care?
- How does self‑image affect your spending?
A Different Perspective
Counterpoint: Genuine generosity can be costly and may strain personal resources.
