quotations about generosity
Generosity wins favour for every one, especially when it is accompanied by modesty.
JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE
The Maxims and Reflections of Goethe
He who, from native generosity, would not bruise a worm, will be the slowest to incur the venom of a serpent; and when maliciously stung, will find no small mitigation of his pangs in the sympathies of all the magnanimous and good.
ELIAS LYMAN MAGOON
Living Orators in America
Pride only helps us to be generous; it never makes us so, any more than vanity makes us witty.
GEORGE ELIOT
Middlemarch
A generous man will, in his treatment of an enemy, resemble the sun, which pours light all around it, even upon the clouds that strive to dim its lustre.
ANNIE E. LANCASTER
attributed, Day's Collacon
An act of generosity is a seed, which even dropped by chance, springs up a flower.
J. D. FORBES
attributed, Day's Collacon
It always pays to be generous with that which costs you nothing.
JOHN KENDRICK BANGS
The Autobiography of Methuselah
It needs as much generosity to take as to give.
IVAN PANIN
Thoughts
Generosity is not in giving me that which I need more than you do, but it is in giving me that which you need more than I do.
KAHLIL GIBRAN
Sand and Foam
If truth doesn't set you free, generosity of spirit will.
KATARINA STOYKOVA KLEMER
attributed, The Way of Letting Go
Being generous is a leap of faith. There is no denying that you are taking chances when you give away anything of value to another, even if it is only your time.
LOUISE PHIPPS SENFT & WILLIAM SENFT
Being Relational
It is very easy, oftentimes, to do a generous act impulsively, and on the spur of an occasion; and as so done--it may be both useful and gratifying to the recipient--may confer a real favor, and merit thanks and the feeling of gratitude.
G. A. SALA
attributed, Day's Collacon