A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the distinction between a genuine act of charity and a mere token gesture. It suggests that giving a bone to a hungry dog (treating it as an act of charity) does not truly demonstrate kindness, as it does not involve sacrifice or empathy. True charity, on the other hand, entails sharing what one has, even when they are equally in need. It highlights the importance of empathy and selflessness in acts of charity, not merely providing a superficial token without experiencing the same hunger or need as the recipient.

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