Bestowing a kindness, as well as in making a requital, the first rule of duty requires us, other things being equal, to lend assistance preferably to people in proportion to their individual need. Most people adopt the contrary course. They put themselves most eagerly at the service of the one from whom they hope to receive the greatest favors, even though he has no need of their help. Marcus Tullius Cicero. De Officiis. Book 1. Section 49.
Image: The roses of Heliogabalus by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, 1888. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Comments
Post a Comment