A present loses its value when it is given without the choice of the person who receives it. Caesar was given death, and so was Cassius. However, Cassius was indebted to the slave who gave it to him, while Caesar owed nothing to his murderers, because they forced him to take it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A gift loses value if the receiver has no choice in accepting it, as with death forced upon Caesar.
- In plain terms
- Forced gifts are not truly gifts and carry no debt of gratitude.
- What can you take from it?
- Choice is essential for a gift to have value.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does a gift feel like a burden?
- Is consent required for generosity?
Another view
The quote equates death with a gift which is metaphorically heavy.
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