I2O THUS SPAKE ZARATHUSTRA, II
Would that my fate would always lead across my path such as are free from sorrow like you, and such as those with whom I may share hope and meal and honey.
Verily, now and then I did something for sufferers, but I always seemed unto myself to do something better when I learned how to enjoy myself better.
Since man came into existence he hath had too little joy. That alone, my brethren, is our original sin !
And when we learn how to have more joy we best get disaccustomed to cause pain and to invent pain unto others.
Therefore I wash my hand which helped the sufferer : therefore I even wipe my soul.
For on account of the sufferer's shame I was ashamed, when seeing him suffer; and when I helped him, I strongly offended his pride.
Great obligations do not make grateful but revenge- ful ; and when a small benefit is not forgotten it turneth into a gnawing worm.
' Be shy of accepting ! Distinguish by accepting ! ' Thus I counsel those who have nothing to give away.
But I am a giver : willingly I give, as a friend unto friends. But strangers and paupers may themselves pluck the fruit from my tree : thus it causeth less shame.
Beggars should be abolished utterly ! Verily, we are angry when giving them anything and are angry when not giving.
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