The best thing of all is to anticipate a person's wishes; the next,… — Seneca · Smartyfair

The best thing of all is to anticipate a person's wishes; the next, to follow them; the former is the better course, to be beforehand with our friends by giving them what they want before they ask us for it, for the value of a gift is much enhanced by sparing an honest man the misery of asking for it with confusion and blushes.

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

For sometimes it is an act of bravery even to live.

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Seneca Men learn while they teach.

Seneca It is equally faulty to trust everyone and to trust no one.

Seneca No good thing is pleasant to possess, without friends to share it.

More on kindness

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

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Leo Tolstoy 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 The quality of mercy is not strain'd, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.

William Shakespeare