I do not deny that, whenever the matter admits of it, one ought to take into consideration the pleasure which we receive from the joy of the receiver of our kindness; but if he ought to have help and is ashamed to receive it—if what we bestow upon him pains him unless it be concealed—I forbear to make my benefits public.
Where these words come from
- Lots of sources credit Seneca with this, and they agree with each other. The book or the speech it first came from hasn't turned up yet.
- https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/3794/pg3794-images.html
More from Seneca
See allFor sometimes it is an act of bravery even to live.
SenecaAll art is but imitation of nature.
SenecaIt is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.
SenecaMen learn while they teach.
SenecaIt is equally faulty to trust everyone and to trust no one.
SenecaNo good thing is pleasant to possess, without friends to share it.
Seneca
SenecaAll art is but imitation of nature.
SenecaIt is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.
SenecaMen learn while they teach.
SenecaIt is equally faulty to trust everyone and to trust no one.
SenecaNo good thing is pleasant to possess, without friends to share it.
SenecaMore on kindness
Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow.
Chief JosephNo one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for any one else.
Charles DickensThere is only one enduring happiness in life — to live for others.
Leo TolstoyAmong individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.
Benito JuárezAs to diseases, make a habit of two things — to help, or at least, to do no harm.
HippocratesThe quality of mercy is not strain'd, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.
William Shakespeare
Chief JosephNo one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for any one else.
Charles DickensThere is only one enduring happiness in life — to live for others.
Leo TolstoyAmong individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.
Benito JuárezAs to diseases, make a habit of two things — to help, or at least, to do no harm.
HippocratesThe quality of mercy is not strain'd, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.
William Shakespeare