The gift moves towards the ...

The gift moves towards the empty place. As it turns in its circle it turns towards him who has been empty-handed the longest, and if someone appears elsewhere whose need is greater it leaves its old channel and moves toward him. Our generosity may leave us empty, but our emptiness then pulls gently at the whole until the thing in motion returns to replenish us. Social nature abhors a vacuum.
 Lewis Hyde

Quotes from the same author

When we are moved by art we are grateful that the artist lived, grateful that he labored in the service of his gifts.
 Lewis Hyde
We are only alive to the degree that we can let ourselves be moved.
 Lewis Hyde