George Eliot’s observation that ‘one must be poor to know the luxury of giving’ invites us to reconsider our definitions of wealth and generosity. Rather than equating luxury solely with material excess, Eliot highlights a subtler, more profound form of richness: the deep satisfaction derived from giving, despite personal scarcity. This turns the notion of privilege on its head, suggesting that giving gains value precisely when it comes at a cost. [...]
