I prefer to be a dreamer among the humblest, with visions to be realized, than lord among those without dreams and desires.
Khalil GibranRead
And you receivers - and you are all receivers - assume no weight of gratitude, lest you lay a yoke upon yourself and upon him who gives. Rather rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings; For to be overmindful of your debt, is to doubt his generosity who has the free hearted earth for mother, and God for father.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of accepting gifts without excessive gratitude that can become burdensome, encouraging an uplifting, mutual appreciation.
Khalil Gibran's quote reflects on the nature of giving and receiving, urging individuals to embrace gifts from others with a light heart. He suggests that excessive gratitude can transform the spirit of giving into a burden, creating a sense of indebtedness that diminishes the joy of generosity. Instead, he advocates for a harmonious relationship between the giver and the receiver, where both can uplift one another, celebrating the gifts of life freely given by nature and the divine.
Themes
GratitudeGenerosityGivingAppreciationDebt
In practice
Example use cases
During a wedding speech to highlight the importance of mutual support between family and friends.
More from Khalil Gibran
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Solitude has soft, silky hands, but with strong fingers it grasps the heart and makes it ache with sorrow.
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