Originally Posted by
Quasiquixotic
Oh wow. Okay. I haven't read everything here. I just got home from 3 weeks away and have some fires to put out irl. I apologize for not reading everyone's thoughts on this before I give my own. I promise I will at some point and if you sway my opinion, I will let you all know. And I don't think you MUST agree with me and my thoughts on this matter. We can discuss this in public or private for as long as needed.
It is my belief that gifts are gifts. Once given it's yours. Would I be sad to see something I've given sold or profited on? No, my assumption is that if my giftee is selling the item, rather than offering it for swap again, it's because they need the money. Maybe they really "need" it to eat or maybe they "need" it to buy something else they like more. In the end, it doesn't matter why, just that it is theirs and they believe what they are doing what is the best for them and everyone at the moment. I am comfortable with that. And a gift is a gift wether it's a ficcare or the $54 dollars it took to buy it. The generosity on my part isn't diminished because the giftee changed the form of my gift.
I also believe people will rise the occasion. Speaking to the scenario discussed here not all people (or any specific person) in this thread: I don't think my gift will change a life or make a greedy person less greedy, in the moment, but I do think it plants a seed of generosity. I have no control on when it gets watered, but I have faith it will. That is why this is a pay it forward gifting. The gift is not a reflection on the person receiving it, or about what they do with it. It is a reflection of the thanks and appreciation of the person giving it. My spirituality leads me to believe that everyone will feel a wellspring of thankfulness at some point in their life. Not at the same time as me, not for the same reasons as me and not in the same way. It's not my place to judge their spirit of giving at this point on their path. But rather to focus on my own path and the lessons I need to learn, having faith they will as well, specifically if I can't see it happening.
I just jumped into the philosophical deep end. Sorry, it's early and I've had coffee already. If anything I've written offends or takes anyone aback, please choose not to be offended. I am speaking about me and people in general. And I am not trying to offend.
Love and cheese
Quasi