Quotation by
John Stuart Mill
As for charity, it is a matter in which the immediate effect on the persons directly concerned, and the ultimate consequence to the general good, are apt to be at complete war with one another.
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Understanding this quote AI Analysis
John Stuart Mill is saying that when people give charity, the help they provide right away to those receiving it can sometimes conflict with the long-term benefits for society as a whole. In other words, what seems good for individuals immediately might actually harm the greater community over time.
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