A true benefactor does not regard himself as doing good deeds, nor does he regard others as the recipients of his kindness.
A Chinese peck of rice given in such a spirit is worth a granary. But when an alms-giver expects some requital for his largesse, even though he gives away a fortune, it is not worth a copper coin.
无求之施一粒万钟，有求之施万金无功施恩者，内不见己，外不见人。则千粟可当万钟之报；利物者，计己之施，贵人之报，虽然百镒难成一文之功。
Notes
Purity determines value
True kindness requires ego effacement:
- Inner: No self-congratulation；
- Outer: No expectation of gratitude.
This selflessness alchemizes modest acts into immense spiritual impact.
Utilitarianism nullifies merit
Calculating givers corrupt benevolence into transaction:
- Tracking personal “investment”
- Demanding repayment like a debt
Even lavish gifts become morally worthless.
Echoes eastern wisdom:
- Confucius: Give without seeking return;
- Laozi: Achieve without claiming credit.
True power lies in unconditional giving — paradoxically, “nothing” offered selflessly outweighs “everything” given transactionally.
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