Charity

Giving to those who have nothing — that alone is giving. Everything else is trade, waiting for its return.

Even if receiving were called a virtuous path, it is still vile. Even if heaven did not exist, giving is still good.

Never uttering the humiliation of 'I have nothing' — and giving before anyone must — that is found only in those of true birth.

Being asked is its own suffering — until you see the bright face of the one who received.

The strength of the strong is to endure their own hunger. But that strength ranks behind the strength of the one who ends another's.

Feed the destroying hunger of those who have nothing. That is where a man should store his wealth — the only vault that never breaks.

The one who has made a habit of dividing his food before eating — the cruel disease called hunger will never touch him.

Do they not know the joy of giving and watching joy arrive? Those pitiless hoarders who store their wealth only to lose it all.

Worse than begging — truly, certainly worse — is eating alone what you have piled up for yourself.

Nothing is more bitter than death. But even death turns sweet when you can no longer give.