The benevolent have a tendency to colonize, and what appears to be kindness is really a facade for control and arrogance. Beware the generous gift, at all times seek balance. Just as a parent, while perhaps having good intentions, does not give money to their young adult offspring without expectation, so too your employer, your neighbor, your enemy do not give without expectation.
When a nation or church or any other institution or individual gives to another, it does so with its own interest at heart. Sometimes that interest is to feel benevolent or holy, but the giver always gets or expects to get, more than it gives.
This seems to be a very pessimistic view of humankind, and of giving. I do not mean to discourage giving or kindnesses. Just recognize that you as the giver are really the recipient of your own largesse. And perhaps the next time you seek to control another's behavior by a compliment well timed, or direct a result by the gift you give, just call it what it is.
No comments:
Post a Comment