The idiom “He who hoards takes pains for others” means that someone who accumulates wealth, resources, or possessions often does so at the expense of others, who may not have access to these resources. The phrase suggests that people who hoard are causing difficulties for others by withholding what they can easily share. It also emphasizes the consequences of selfishness and greed, showing how it can harm others in the long run.
✔ Reflects the consequences of hoarding on others
✔ Highlights the negative impact of greed and selfishness
✔ Warns about the social responsibility associated with wealth or resources
Hindi Equivalent:
“जो जमा करता, दूसरों के लिए करता”
(यह कहावत तब इस्तेमाल होती है जब कोई व्यक्ति अपनी संपत्ति या संसाधनों को जमा करता है, जबकि अन्य लोग उनकी कमी से जूझ रहे होते हैं।)
Detailed Explanation
This idiom serves as a moral lesson, encouraging people to share their wealth or resources rather than hoard them. Hoarding may bring temporary satisfaction or security to the hoarder, but in the process, they create suffering for others who may be in need. The phrase reflects the consequences of selfish behavior and stresses the importance of generosity and social responsibility.
✔ Hoarding causes inequality: By accumulating resources and not distributing them, individuals contribute to the widening gap between the haves and have-nots.
✔ Harmful long-term effects: The act of hoarding does not only affect the individual but can negatively impact society as a whole, creating imbalances and inequalities.
✔ Encourages social sharing: The idiom advocates the importance of sharing what we have and being conscious of the struggles others face due to the concentration of resources in the hands of a few.
Common contexts:
- When discussing the negative effects of greed or selfishness
- In conversations about wealth distribution and inequality
- When highlighting the importance of sharing and generosity
- In social or economic discussions about hoarding resources during crises (like food, money, or supplies)
Real-Life Examples
In School
English: “He keeps all the best books to himself, never lending them. He who hoards takes pains for others.”
Hindi: “वह हमेशा अपने पास सबसे अच्छे किताबें रखता है, कभी भी दूसरों को उधार नहीं देता। ‘जो जमा करता, दूसरों के लिए करता।'”
In a Family Situation
English: “By not sharing his savings, he’s causing problems for everyone in the family. He who hoards takes pains for others.”
Hindi: “अपनी बचत न बांटकर, वह पूरे परिवार के लिए समस्याएँ पैदा कर रहा है। ‘जो जमा करता, दूसरों के लिए करता।'”
In the Office
English: “She always keeps the best ideas to herself and doesn’t collaborate. He who hoards takes pains for others.”
Hindi: “वह हमेशा सबसे अच्छे विचारों को अपने पास रखती है और सहयोग नहीं करती। ‘जो जमा करता, दूसरों के लिए करता।'”
Psychological & Social Insight
Why This Phrase Matters:
✓ Encourages generosity: This idiom serves as a reminder to share our resources, be it wealth, knowledge, or time, to improve the well-being of others.
✓ Promotes equality: It highlights the negative impact of hoarding on social equality and encourages fairer distribution of resources.
✓ Fosters empathy: By considering the hardships that others may face due to hoarding, it promotes a greater sense of empathy and social responsibility.
When to Use This Phrase:
✔ When someone is being selfish or refusing to share resources or benefits
✔ In discussions about wealth inequality or social justice
✔ To highlight the consequences of hoarding during economic crises (such as hoarding food during a shortage)
✔ When calling out behavior that contributes to the suffering of others, especially due to greed
Usage Tips
✔ Use this idiom to highlight the moral lessons about sharing and caring for others.
✔ It can be a gentle reminder for those who are focused only on their own gains, encouraging them to consider the needs of others.
✔ Use it to foster conversations about generosity, community support, and social responsibility.
Similar Expressions
| English | Hindi |
|---|---|
| “Sharing is caring.” | “साझा करना ही देखभाल करना है।” |
| “A penny saved is a penny earned.” | “जो बचत करता है, वह कमाता है।” |
| “Charity begins at home.” | “दान की शुरुआत घर से होती है।” |
| “One’s wealth is the wealth of all.” | “किसी की संपत्ति, सभी की संपत्ति है।” |
Cultural Perspectives
Western View: In Western cultures, the phrase may be used to emphasize the need for corporate social responsibility and philanthropy, where wealthy individuals and organizations are encouraged to give back to society.
Indian Context: In India, the cultural emphasis on charity and helping those in need is strong. The idiom “जो जमा करता, दूसरों के लिए करता” is a reminder to act with generosity, especially in a culture where family and community are important.
Global Relevance: Hoarding resources is a universal problem, and this idiom highlights the importance of fairness and the moral duty to share with others, a sentiment recognized across cultures worldwide.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you ever guilty of hoarding resources (time, money, knowledge) when others could benefit from them?
- How do you feel when you share something important with others?
- What small steps can you take to contribute to more equal resource distribution in your community or family?
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