You know, among the things you can give and still keep is one of those rare pieces of wisdom that actually works in the real world. It’s not just a nice saying; it’s a practical strategy for building a life and career that doesn’t cost you a thing to implement, yet the returns are massive.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote is about infinite resources. It points to three personal assets—your integrity, your attitude, and your perspective—that are completely renewable. The beautiful paradox is that by giving them away, you don’t deplete them; you actually strengthen them.
Explanation
Let’s break it down, because this is where it gets powerful. Your word isn’t just about keeping a promise. It’s about building a reputation of reliability. When you give someone your honest word and follow through, you’re not losing anything—you’re gaining immense trust, and that’s a currency you keep forever.
Then there’s the smile. It costs you zero energy, but it can change the entire atmosphere of a room. And the crazy thing? Smiling is contagious. You give one, you often get one back, and you’re left feeling better than you did before you gave it away. You still have your smile, plus you’ve collected a little bit of goodwill.
And finally, the grateful heart. This is the master key. Expressing gratitude doesn’t diminish your own success or happiness. In fact, by verbally appreciating someone else’s work or just being thankful for your own circumstances, you reinforce those positive neural pathways in your own brain. You’re left with a stronger sense of abundance. You give thanks, and you keep the feeling.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Relationship (329) |
| Topics | gratitude (64), integrity (42), kindness (37) |
| Literary Style | minimalist (442), poetic (635) |
| Emotion / Mood | gentle (183), heartfelt (2) |
| Overall Quote Score | 82 (297) |
Origin & Factcheck
This is pure Zig Ziglar. It comes straight from his classic 1975 book, See You at the Top, which was a foundational text in the personal development and sales motivation world in the United States. You sometimes see similar sentiments floating around, but this specific, elegant phrasing is his.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Zig Ziglar (36) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | See You at the Top (29) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Modern (530) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Zig Ziglar inspired generations with his upbeat, practical lessons on sales and success. He started in door-to-door cookware sales, rose to corporate leadership, and then founded Ziglar, Inc. to train leaders worldwide. His books—like See You at the Top and Secrets of Closing the Sale—blend ethics, optimism, and actionable steps. He spoke to millions across the globe and built a lasting legacy in personal development and professional selling. If you’re exploring his writings, check the
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1975; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-0-88207-957-2; Last edition: Revised & Updated, Pelican Publishing 2010; Number of pages: 416 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 30: Giving from the Heart, Approximate page 600 from 2010 edition |