So when a benefit has been graciously received, the giver has already… — Seneca · Smartyfair

So when a benefit has been graciously received, the giver has already received gratitude, but has not yet received recompense for it: that which we owe in return is therefore something apart from the benefit itself, for we have paid for the benefit itself when we accept it in a grateful spirit.

Seneca4–65 BC · philosopher · Ancient RomeSeneca was a Roman philosopher, playwright, and statesman who served as tutor and later chief advisor to the young Emperor Nero, guiding Roman policy for years.424 quotes

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More from Seneca

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More on kindness

Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow.

Chief Joseph Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.

Benito Juárez As to diseases, make a habit of two things — to help, or at least, to do no harm.

Hippocrates I have never met a man so ignorant that I could not learn something from him.

Galileo Galilei It is hard to say whether it is more dishonourable for the receiver to disown a benefit, or for the giver to demand a return of it: for a benefit is a loan, the repayment of which depends merely upon the good feeling of the debtor.

Seneca To misuse a benefit like a spendthrift is most shameful, because we do not need our wealth but only our intention to set us free from the obligation of it; for a benefit is repaid by being acknowledged.