I prefer to be a dreamer among the humblest, with visions to be realized, than lord among those without dreams and desires.
Khalil GibranRead
It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding; and to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Giving without being asked is a deeper expression of understanding and kindness.
Khalil Gibran emphasizes the value of generosity that comes from true understanding and compassion. He suggests that while giving when asked is good, giving voluntarily, without prompting, is an even more profound act that reflects an intimate knowledge of another's needs. Moreover, the joy of giving is enhanced for those who are open-hearted, as they find fulfillment in the act of providing for others.
Themes
GivingGenerosityUnderstandingCompassionJoy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, one might use this quote to inspire volunteering.
More from Khalil Gibran
All quotes →Be patient, for it is from doubt that knowledge is born.
Khalil GibranRead
Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother.
Khalil GibranRead
God made Truth with many doors to welcome every believer who knocks on them.
Khalil GibranRead
Happiness is a vine that takes root and grows within the heart, never outside it.
Khalil GibranRead
Solitude has soft, silky hands, but with strong fingers it grasps the heart and makes it ache with sorrow.
Khalil GibranRead
Similar quotes
What do I know of man's destiny? I could tell you more about radishes.
Samuel BeckettRead
The material body has a practical reality that is accessible. It is here and now, and we can do something with it. However, we must not forget that the innermost part of our being is also trying to help us. It wants to come out to the surface and express itself.
B.K.S. IyengarRead
Focus your attention on the Now and tell me what problem you have at this moment.
Eckhart TolleRead
To live means to experience-through doing, feeling, thinking. Experience takes place in time, so time is the ultimate scarce resource we have. Over the years, the content of experience will determine the quality of life. Therefore one of the most essential decisions any of us can make is about how one's time is allocated or invested.
Mihaly CsikszentmihalyiRead
Human beings are no longer born to their place in life...but are free to employ their faculties and such favorable chances as offer, to achieve the lot which may appear to them as desirable.
John Stuart MillRead
We know that the wildest and most moving dramas are played not in the theatre but in the hearts of ordinary men and women.
Carl JungRead