Source: Utopia (1516), Ch. 9 : Of the Religions of the Utopians
Context: Those among them that have not received our religion do not fright any from it, and use none ill that goes over to it, so that all the while I was there one man was only punished on this occasion. He being newly baptised did, notwithstanding all that we could say to the contrary, dispute publicly concerning the Christian religion, with more zeal than discretion, and with so much heat, that he not only preferred our worship to theirs, but condemned all their rites as profane, and cried out against all that adhered to them as impious and sacrilegious persons, that were to be damned to everlasting burnings. Upon his having frequently preached in this manner he was seized, and after trial he was condemned to banishment, not for having disparaged their religion, but for his inflaming the people to sedition; for this is one of their most ancient laws, that no man ought to be punished for his religion.
“Thoughts are given us, not only to chew over for ourselves, but to communicate to others. And if we can find a man that is ready to receive them, and a suitable occasion, there is nothing more pleasurable than giving them.”
Preface.
Everyday Wisdom (1927)
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Frank Crane 38
American Presbyterian minister 1861–1928Related quotes
Jean Vanier, From Brokenness to Community, 1992, pp 35-36
From books
God Is An Iron (1977)
Context: Man has historically devoted much more subtle and ingenious thought to inflicting cruelty than to giving others pleasure — which, given his gregarious nature, would seem a much more survival-oriented behavior. Poll any hundred people at random and you'll find at least twenty or thirty who know all there is to know about psychological torture and psychic castration — and maybe two who know how to give a terrific back-rub.
“Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not the merits of who receives them.”
Source: The Shadow of the Wind
Source: A Mother's Advice to Her Daughter, 1728, p. 172
Page 14.
A Grammar of the English Language (1818)
Speech in Saarbrücken (9 October 1938), quoted in The Times (26 September 1939), p. 10
1930s
No. 104. (Usbek writing to Ibben)
Lettres Persanes (Persian Letters, 1721)