meanings. The ambiguity of this expression is therefore apparent.

The third is that the benefit should not be conferred in return for compensation. Someone who gives in order to receive something in return is engaging in a transaction, whether the return is a tangible object, commendation, praise, escape from blame, or being one who does what is more fitting and better.

Then, having established this principle, he said: Thus, the truly generous one”—and so forth. Its meaning is clear.

He said:

“One might object: If the intention to convey benefit to another were not a consideration in generosity, it would follow that, when stones fall from a roof onto the head of someone’s enemy and that enemy dies, those stones should be considered generous without qualification, because what has resulted from them negates any ulterior purpose. If he concedes that the stone is generous