Surprises are foolish things. The pleasure is not enhanced, and the inconvenience is often considerable.
The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.
One must be poor to know the luxury of giving!
Giving presents is a talent; to know what a person wants, to know when and how to get it, to give it lovingly and well. Unless a character possesses this talent there is no moment more annihilating to ease than that in which a present is received and given.
There is sublime thieving in all giving. Someone gives us all he has and we are his.
Bounty always receives part of its value from the manner in which it is bestowed.
What is called generosity is usually only the vanity of giving; we enjoy the vanity more than the thing given.
Some people have a knack of putting upon you gifts of no real value, to engage you to substantial gratitude. We thank them for nothing.
This is what is hardest: to close the open hand because one loves.
A gift in season is a double favor to the needy.
Behold, I do not give lectures or a little charity, When I give I give myself.
