The motto of chivalry is also the motto of wisdom to serve all, but love only one.

— Honoré de Balzac

GRATITUDE

WHAT THIS MEANS

Generosity spread wide and devotion aimed narrow are not in conflict, they are a division of labour. You can be decent to everybody you meet, which is conduct, while the deeper commitment goes to very few, because that attention cannot be divided without turning into something else. Trying to love everyone equally usually produces a warm vagueness that helps nobody in particular. Depth requires a limit.

Check whether your kindness and your commitment have got mixed up. Are you giving your best hours to acquaintances and the leftovers to the person you would say matters most? Serve broadly, and keep the deep part where you actually intend it.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

Who receives your deepest loyalty rather than just your general kindness?

MORE IN TRUST, LOYALTY & RELATIONSHIPS

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