On Giving

We must not only give what we have; we must also give what we are.

Desire Joseph Cardinal Mercier

Quoted in 'The Life of Cardinal Mercier,' by John Gade.

Open your eyes and look for some man, or some work for the sake of men, which needs a little time, a little friendship, a little sympathy, a little sociability, a little human toil.... Search and see if there is not some place where you may invest your humanity.

Albert Schweitzer

An excerpt from 'The Philosophy of Civilization.'

We are rich only through what we give, and poor only through what we refuse.

Madame Swetchine

An excerpt from 'The Writings of Madame Swetchine.'

How delightful is the company of generous people, who overlook trifles and keep their minds instinctively fixed on whatever is good and positive in the world about them.

Van Wyck Brooks

An excerpt from 'A Chilmark Miscellany.'