Vatican Saying 44
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Translation
Analysis
Complementing Vatican Saying 43, this text lauds the wise person who, when "measured up against" the necessities of life, knows rather to give than to receive. Such a person is not greedy, nor selfish. When brought face to face with necessities, the wise person focuses more on giving to others than of serving oneself.
The reason behind such altruism is not ostentation, but simply self-sufficiency. The wise person has found such an "inner treasure" of self-sufficiency, that little is needed to attain and maintain contentment. Having whatever little one needs, and needing whatever little one has, one can afford to (and is naturally inclined to) be philanthropic towards others.
