"Romans in the Age of Nero were preoccupied with transactional obligations, namely, what one could expect in return for something given. Emperors firmed up their power by offering donations to troops, or handouts to the public; rich men received hosts of clientelae every morning, godfather-style, promising favors or granting petitions in exchange for gifts or loyalty. Even the gods could be bought: A Roman often intoned the formula do ut des, "I give so that you may give," while making sacrifice. The Roman statesman and ...
Read More
"Romans in the Age of Nero were preoccupied with transactional obligations, namely, what one could expect in return for something given. Emperors firmed up their power by offering donations to troops, or handouts to the public; rich men received hosts of clientelae every morning, godfather-style, promising favors or granting petitions in exchange for gifts or loyalty. Even the gods could be bought: A Roman often intoned the formula do ut des, "I give so that you may give," while making sacrifice. The Roman statesman and philosopher Seneca explored the complexities of giving and receiving in his longest ethical treatise, which goes under the title De Beneficiis. Sometimes rendered "benefit," the word beneficium denotes any gift, favor, or good turn, that is, anything that incurs (or seeks to incur) an obligation from the receiver. In this book, James Romm (translator of How to Die and How to Keep Your Cool), proposes to abridge and translate this work for modern readers under the above title. Seneca, Romm maintains, held his readers and humanity to a higher standard when it came to generosity. On his view, giving and receiving were not merely contractual matters, like business or banking, but followed higher principles of mutual care and respect. The motives behind giving, and the way it is carried out, need to be carefully examined, lest the receiver gain a boon but lose their moral standing in the process, or lest the giver exert coercive or self-serving pressures (ahem, lobbyists). He turned over every facet of the topic and used it as a way to expound larger Stoic principles regarding the interconnectedness of the human race. His aim was to urge his readers to redouble their efforts to give and receive wisely, to express gratitude when we receive a boon, and to transcend our darker, selfish impulses. In generosity, Seneca argues, lies the hope of preserving civilized life in the face of chaos"--
Read Less
Add this copy of How to Give: an Ancient Guide to Giving and Receiving to cart. $1.19, good condition, Sold by Goodwill of Colorado rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Princeton University Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
This item is in overall good condition. Covers and dust jackets are intact but may have minor wear including slight curls or bends to corners as well as cosmetic blemishes including stickers. Pages are intact but may have minor highlighting writing. Binding is intact; however spine may have slight wear overall. Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and or active. Minor shelf wear overall. Please note that all items are donated goods and are in used condition. Orders shipped Monday through Friday! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Add this copy of How to Give: an Ancient Guide to Giving and Receiving to cart. $2.67, good condition, Sold by BooksRun rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Philadelphia, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Princeton University Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
It's a preowned item in good condition and includes all the pages. It may have some general signs of wear and tear, such as markings, highlighting, slight damage to the cover, minimal wear to the binding, etc., but they will not affect the overall reading experience.
Add this copy of How to Give: an Ancient Guide to Giving and Receiving to cart. $3.31, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Reno rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Reno, NV, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Princeton University Press.
Add this copy of How to Give: an Ancient Guide to Giving and Receiving to cart. $3.31, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Halethorpe, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Princeton University Press.
Add this copy of How to Give: an Ancient Guide to Giving and Receiving to cart. $3.31, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Princeton University Press.
Add this copy of How to Give: an Ancient Guide to Giving and Receiving to cart. $7.40, good condition, Sold by ICTBooks rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Wichita, KS, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Princeton University Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Book shows wear from use but remains a usable copy. May include writing highlighting underlining library markings. LISTING USES STOCK PHOTOS AND COVER MAY VARY. Ships via USPS and typically arrives within 10-12 business days.
Add this copy of How to Give: an Ancient Guide to Giving and Receiving to cart. $8.49, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Movies rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Princeton University Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of How to Give: An Ancient Guide to Giving and Receiving to cart. $8.95, new condition, Sold by The Book Buggy rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Phelan, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Princeton University Press.
Add this copy of How to Give: an Ancient Guide to Giving and Receiving to cart. $10.99, very good condition, Sold by A Cappella Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Atlanta, GA, UNITED STATES, published 2020 by Princeton University Press.
Add this copy of How to Give: An Ancient Guide to Giving and Receiving to cart. $11.58, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2020 by Princeton University Press.
