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Source identified
“The essence of generosity is self-sacrifice.”

Samuel Smiles

Source
Thrift
Date
1875
Attribution
Source identified
Meaning

What does this quote mean?

Generosity becomes meaningful when giving costs something real—time, resources, comfort, or attention—rather than functioning only as effortless display.

Source context

Where does it come from?

Thrift, Preface, Project Gutenberg #14418. The sentence immediately follows Smiles’s claim that independence requires forethought, prudence, frugality and self-denial; generosity is framed as requiring a real sacrifice of self.

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Attribution

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This wording is connected with the named source shown above. Translations and editions can vary, so consult the source note when exact wording matters.

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Themes

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