Pride in giving

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Often appears with: pride, vanity, and humility · pompeius pennus · justice as a virtue · gratitude and ingratitude · gaius caesar

Usually: argument (1) · censure (1) · exhortation (1)

L. Annaeus Seneca on Benefits primary

Lucius Annaeus Seneca · c. 59-65 CE (approx.)
BOOK I. The prevalence of ingratitude--How a benefit ought to be bestowed--The three Graces--Benefits are the chief bond of human society--What we owe in return for a benefit received--A benefit consists not of a thing but of the wish to do good--Socrates and > BOOK II. (7/21)

Seneca criticizes Gaius Caesar’s humiliating gesture toward Pompeius Pennus, then argues that pride turns gifts into injuries and that benefits should be given with gentle, level-minded courtesy.

you. Let us shun vain boasting: let us be silent, and let our deeds speak for us. A benefit conferred with haughtiness not only wins no gratitude, but causes dislike. XII. Gaius Caesar granted Pompeius Pennus his life, that is, if not to take away life be to grant it; then, when Pompeius was set free and returning thanks to him, he stretched out his left foot to be kissed. Those who excuse this action, and say that …