Be just.' But you answer Him: 'If I am pitiful, I lose my time and money.

If I am merciful, I forego advantage to myself.

If I am just, I lessen my own profit, and another passes me in the race.'" "And yet in your inmost thoughts you know that you are wrong: that love of self brings you no peace.

Who is happier than the lover, thinking only how to serve?
Who is the more joyous: he who sits alone at the table, or he who shares his meal with a friend?
It is more blessed to give than to receive.

How can you doubt it?
For what do you toil and strive but that you may give to your children, to your loved ones, reaping the harvest of their good ?" "Who among you is the more honoured?
The miser or the giver: he who heaps up riches for himself or he who labours for others ?" "Who is the true soldier?
He who has put away self.