Trader’s generosity

Chapter XIV T rader’ s generosity Generosity is a virtue which provides many kind acts and favors. If perceived as an emotional quality, it is perceived as benevolence, and in terms of its consequence, it is certainly beneficent. This quality implies a willingness to do and return favors. Seneca says that a trader must always be willing to repay the kindness of those from whom he received it, and equally so to show kindness when he sees it fitting. When returning a favor, do so moderately. It is always befitting a trader to repay someone’s kindness abundantly, but he must not do too many generous acts, especially if the need is not such, for such virtue is more suited to gentlemen and eminent people than to traders. Generosity is a nobleman’s calling, whereas a trader’s calling, as well as his goal, is to make a profit and amass wealth. A trader should always readily return favors, because delaying this or waiting for the other party’s request is a sign of ingratitude. Make sure that the favor you are doing for one person does not harm another, because if this were the case, your act of kindness would in fact be mere flattery. Act on Seneca’s advice: “Generosity that is shown should be beneficial for many and harmful to no one.” Many traders, alas, are involved in usurious dealings but, nevertheless, build churches and hospitals. When you decide to do somebody a favor, do not complain or utter a word of reproach because in that case your act will not be praiseworthy, as Cicero explains: “Oh arrogance, receiving anything befits you not, for you corrupt every- thing

you offer.” If you are asked for a favor, you must not reject the man under a pretext or make the situation more complicated than it is. This is what Antigonus did when he said to the Cynic who prayed him a single talent: “Why, Cynic should not dare to ask that much!” Then the Cynic asked him if he could spare a dinar, Antigonus said: “Y ou ask more than is fitting a man such as yourself.” This is an example of someone who spitefully refused to help another person, and, being a king, he could certainly afford to be generous. When Alexander offered a poor beggar an entire township, his conduct was exactly the opposite. The poor wretch said: “Oh my master, ruling a township does not befit me and my miserable circumstances.” And Alexander replied: “I care not what befits your circumstances, but rather what befits mine.” Mind you, if you were generous to an ungrateful soul, do not complain about him, for if he is not what he appeared to be, it is his loss, not yours. Always be as generous as circumstances allow you and be equally happy to accept repayment for your kindness. Do not be in the position that you owe more than others owe you. I was so fortunate as to spend a long time in the court of the famous don Alfonso, the king of Aragon, whose generosity had never been surpassed. He used to upgrade the status of common men by giving them a title of grand master in order to show his generous nature so that none of these men could say that they got what they rightfully deserved but that they owe their improved circumstances to the kindness of their lord. Being endowed with such virtue, the king had a tendency to be more merciful to those who deserved it less instead of to those whose birth and accomplishments made them more entitled to such a

benefit. It goes without saying that many did not understand this and hence, criticized his decision. Personally, I observed in him an insatiable desire to be kind, which came naturally to him and he indeed had a quintessential generosity of spirit. Make sure that you do not show generosity in an equal manner to those who are in grave circumstances and to those who wish to improve their good living. It is better to be kind to good people than to the rich because the latter do not like to feel bound by your goodness. Therefore, trust the words of T emistocles when he says: “I am fonder of a man who needs money, than the money that needs a man.”