There is a simple ethic well known in traditional gift-exchange societies: The recipient of a gift is more its custodian or steward than its owner. “The gift must always move” is the old wisdom, meaning that what we have received from others must eventually be passed along.
It’s the way the world works; whether its the “flow” in “cash-flow” or the sharing of experiences, knowledge and ideas. Unlike the individual hoard who creates coagulation and stagnation, collecting more and more but growing less and less, withering away in their own little cocoon.
Gifts that move in a circle differ markedly from simple two-person exchanges. Once the circle appears, no one will necessarily receive a gift from the same person to whom he or she first gave. Something may come back to the donor, but there is no way to guarantee that.
Giving anonymously is a good way to open the circle outward as well. It diminishes the chance that recipients might feel embarrassed, subordinated or obligated; and it helps a donor stand aside from praise and blame.
Gifts that are passed from one generation to the next also open the circle. If your parents once dedicated themselves to your well-being, or someone more experienced helps you along your path, you may thank them for that; but when it comes to concrete expressions of gratitude, it seems better to direct them toward our successors.
We cannot teach our teachers; we must teach those who follow after.
