ABSTRACT
Benefactors seem to love their beneficiaries more than the beneficiaries love those who have benefited them. As this seems unreasonable, it should be investigated. Now for the majority, the explanation is plain: beneficiaries (like debtors) owe, but benefactors (like creditors) are owed. In the case of loans, debtors wish that their creditors would die, but creditors will even take care of the safety of their debtors. Similarly, so it is thought, benefactors wish their recipients continued existence so that they will receive back favors, whereas the recipients do not care to make a return. Now Epicharmos probably would say that those who say such things are looking at life from the seamy side; but it seems to be human. For the many do not remember kindnesses, but seek rather to receive well than to do well.
