LXXVII. On Giving
What did the Stoics think about giving — be it love, attention, your energy, your time, possessions or money? Let's explore this theme.
What did the Stoics think about giving — be it love, attention, your energy, your time, possessions or money? Here’s a list,
“No school (except the Stoics) has more goodness and gentleness; none has more love for human beings, nor more attention to the common good. The goal which it assigns to us is to be useful, to help others, and to take care, not only of ourselves, but of everyone in general and of each one in particular.” — Seneca
“No one grows tired of receiving benefits, and to bestow benefits is to act according to nature; so never grow tired of receiving benefits by bestowing them on others.” — Marcus Aurelius
“Now, what does the title ‘citizen’ mean? In this role, a person never acts in his own interest or thinks of himself alone, but, like a hand or foot that had sense and realized its place in the natural order, all its actions and desires aim at nothing except contributing to the common good.” — Epictetus
“Furthermore to shun selfishness and to have high regard for fairness and, being a human being, to wish to help and to be unwilling to harm one’s fellow men is the noblest lesson, and it makes those who learn it just.” — Musonius Rufus
“It is your duty to consider the interests of your fellow-men and to serve society; you were brought into the world under these conditions and have these inborn principles which you are in duty bound to obey and follow, that your interest shall be the interest of the community and conversely that the interest of the community shall be your interest." — Cicero
However, we know the world isn’t perfect. People take advantage of others all the time. Most of us also tend to have people-pleasing behavior. So, to guard yourself against disappointment, silence the worry caused by vultures, and bask in the joy of giving, follow these three simple rules.
First—do what is right, purely and instinctively, from the goodness of your heart. Not for approval. Not for applause. Just because it aligns with who you are, your values.
Second—seek balance in every exchange. Give, but not to depletion. Share, but not to self-sacrifice. Give your energy to those who cherish it. Share your presence where it’s valued. Love where love is returned. Let mutual benefit guide you, ensuring you pour only into cups that do not leave yours rusty.
Third—do what you love, say treating your friends or taking care of your family. Not to impress. Not to conform. But because it makes your spirit come alive.
Live this way, and you’ll find happiness. But remember not everyone is worthy of your warmth.
That is how you live freely, joyfully—unburdened by the ungrateful, untouched by the weight of one-sided devotion.
Your light is sacred. Protect it.
I’d love to read your thoughts on this matter. How do you approach giving and what does it mean to you? Have you ever encountered ungrateful people and how did you deal with them?
I always enjoy hearing from you, and for you to hear from each other.
Please comment, share and subscribe, below!
Join The Stoic Manual for lessons in the art of living, consolations for difficult times, . Plus annual patrons get a free copy of my book, ‘THE TOOLS.'
The greatest gift we can bestow upon another is respect. It’s the key to overcoming our differences and rebuilding trust. Even better, it's a gift to ourselves too. Because when we’re willing to truly listen and respect the other, we might just find a friend for life. And the best part? Respect doesn’t cost a damn thing!