Our mind is enriched by what we receive, our heart by what we give.

His rich penitents and the pious women of D—— had often contributed the money for a beautiful new altar for monseigneur's oratory; he had always taken the money and given it to the poor. "The most beautiful of altars," said he, "is the soul of an unhappy man who is comforted and thanks God.

As always, self-esteem had created an ability to be generous.

The Ways and Means Committee is supposed to find ways to divide up the means.

Can anything be so elegant as to have few wants and to serve them one's self, so as to have somewhat left to give, instead of being always prompt to grab?

Man should not consider his material possession his own, but as common to all, so as to share them without hesitation when others are in need.

If a thief helps a poor man out of the spoils of his thieving, we must not call that charity.

There are no galley-slaves in the royal vessel of divine love - every man works his oar voluntarily!

The man who confers a favour would rather not be repaid in the same coin.

For Thérèse, poetry was not "art for amusement," because she did not write for her own satisfaction but out of duty, or at least with a concern to serve, to help, and to encourage.6

Man should not consider his material possessions as his own, but as common to all, so as to share them without hesitation when others are in need

That man, she thought, her anger rising in her, never gave; that man took.