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Behold I do not give lectures or a little charity, When I give I give myself.
Walt Whitman
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Interpretation

What this quote means

True giving involves selflessness and full commitment, rather than superficial acts of charity.

In this quote, Walt Whitman emphasizes the importance of genuine generosity. He suggests that giving should not be a mere transaction or a half-hearted effort. Instead, it should be an act of complete self-dedication, where one offers not just material aid, but their whole self, fostering deeper connections and impactful change.

Themes

GivingSelflessnessGenerosityCommitmentService

In practice

Example use cases

During a charity event, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of genuine contributions.

More from Walt Whitman

All music is is what awakes from you when you are reminded by the instruments.
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Did you, too, O friend, suppose democracy was only for elections, for politics, and for a party name? I say democracy is only of use there that it may pass on and come to its flower and fruit in manners, in the highest forms of interaction between people, and their beliefs - in religion, literature, colleges and schools- democracy in all public and private life.
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In the confusion we stay with each other, happy to be together, speaking without uttering a single word.
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A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.
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Now, dearest comrade, lift me to your face,_x000D_ _x000D_ We must separate awhileHere! take from my lips this kiss._x000D_ _x000D_ Whoever you are, I give it especially to you;_x000D_ _x000D_ So long!And I hope we shall meet again.
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And whoever walks a furlong without sympathy walks to his own funeral drest in his shroud.
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