Give

March 26, 1944  I wonder if any of the people sitting in warm, comfortable homes have any idea what it must be like to be a beggar? Have any of those "good, dear people" ever asked themselves about the lives of poor people or children around them? All right everyone gives a beggar a few coppers now and then. But it is usually pushed hurriedly into his hands, and the door is closed.

We are all born alike; they were helpless and innocent, too. Everyone breathes the same air, a great many people believe in the same God! Everyone is born the same, everyone has to die, and nothing remains of their worldly glory. Riches, power and fame last only for a few years! Why do people cling so desperately to these transitory things? Why can't people who have more than they need for themselves give that surplus to their fellow citizens? Why should some people have such a hard time during their few years on this earth?

The true greatness of a person does not lie in riches or power, but in character and goodness. Everyone is human, everyone has his faults and shortcomings, but everyone is born with a great deal that is good in him. And if one were to begin by encouraging the good, bu giving poor people the feeling that they are human beings, too, one would not even need money or possessions to do this.

Everything begins with the little things. For instance, don't only stand up in a tram for the rich mothers, no, remember the poor ones too. Say you are sorry if you step on a poor person's toes as you would for someone rich. People will always follow a good example' be the one to set the good example, then others will follow. More and more people will become friendly and generous, until finally poor people will not be looked down upon anymore.

How lovely to think that no one need wait a moment; we can start now, start slowly changing the world! Ho lovely that everyone, great and small, can make a contributions toward introducing justice straightaway! Just as with so many thins, most people grumble because they think they receive so little themselves. Open your eyes, first make sure that you are always fair yourself! Give of yourself, give as much as you can! and you can always, always give something, even it it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as stingy with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would ever have thought possible. Give, give again and again, don't lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving! If you do this, then in a few generations no one will need to pity the beggar children anymore, because they will not exist?

There is plenty of room for everyone in the world, enough money, riches and beauty for all to share! God has made enough for everyone! Let us all begin then by sharing it fairly.