Liberality consists less in giving profusely, than in giving judiciously.

Giving a lot and giving well are not the same skill. Handing over money without thought can feel generous while doing very little, or even harm, if it props up the thing that is actually the problem. Real generosity involves paying attention first: what does this person need, what will still be true in a month, what would they ask for if they were not embarrassed.

Before your next act of giving, spend ten minutes finding out what would actually help. Then give that, in the amount that makes a difference, rather than the amount that makes you feel generous.