proverb · Legacy record
He who gives to me also teaches me to give.
He who gives to me also teaches me to give.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Receiving a gift also teaching giving makes generosity an example that may influence the recipient. The saying values the learning possible through care.
What the words are saying
The effect is possible rather than guaranteed. A responsible reading does not make a gift a demand for repayment, future giving or imitation. A useful application can recognise a freely given example while respecting the recipient’s resources and choices.
Everyday example
Someone appreciates help received and later chooses an affordable way to help another person.
When to use it
Use it to discuss generosity as an example without imposing debt.
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What it does not mean
No guaranteed influence or obligation to give through receiving is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Denmark
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 750; PDF page 69; collection label: Denmark
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Denmark