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The magi, as you know, were wise men - wonderfully wise men - who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.

O. Henry#10

Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.

SacrificeGiftsGivingWisdom

About this quote

What does it mean?
True wisdom in giving comes from selfless sacrifice.
In plain terms
Giving sacrificially makes you wiser than anyone else.
What can you take from it?
Give selflessly to show true wisdom.

Where it applies

  • giving gifts
  • showing care

Putting it to work

  • give without expecting return
  • value people over things

Questions to consider

  • What gift have you given freely?
  • What does wisdom mean to you?

Another view

It romanticizes poverty as a sign of wisdom.

More from O. Henry

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  2. If man knew how women pass the time when they are alone, they'd never marry.

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  3. One dollar and eighty-seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas.

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