Albert Einstein said:

The value of a man resides in what he gives and not what he is capable of receiving.

What do you think he meant by that?

Hi Chatty,

IMHO, Einstein meant that society decides what value we have for the world as a whole based on what we give to the world, in terms of benefits to society.

I'm sure that is why so many of us want our legacy to be that we in some way left the world a better place... We don't want to be valued just on how much wealth we are capable of accumulating or how many children we bring into the world.

So for example, that is why we see Britain's Prince Charles working so hard to convince the world to live in ecological harmony, why Bill and Melinda Gates have a foundation, and why ordinary people are moved to become missionaries in Africa, help out during crises like the Katrina aftermath, or serve Thanksgiving or Christmas meals to those who don't have family they can spend the day with...

Your thoughts?

I agree Anne. And I believe we get alot more back, when we give.

I feel fantastic as a caring human being when helping otrhers who need my help including all the animals...It brings me such joy tro see smiling faces and/or wagging tails.

Anne
I agree with your statement

"I'm sure that is why so many of us want our legacy to be that we in some way left the world a better place.."

whether in a career or making a garden..planting a tree .

Also to regard other people with dignity and speak to them with respect.To speak up for people who are unable to do so for them selves.

recent disclosures on a famous website have shown how diplomats and others have said things they would rather not let us know about..these statements affect all of us.

Mountain Ash,

You're so right about the "Wikileaks" which is what I assume you are talking about.

Anne

If everybody lived by "The Golden Rule," it'd make the world a nicer place and day-to-day life easier to navigate, i.e.: treat
others the way you want to be treated. That alone would make everyone more giving and less demanding.