You Can’t Share What You Don’t Have — You Can’t Have What You Don’t Share

When I found this sentence, I tried to read it repeatedly.

Indah Raudha J
Journal Kita
Published in
3 min readMar 28, 2024

--

The photo was taken by me in Smiljan Bintaro.

I enjoy when I come across good sentences, ones with profound meanings and sentences that are engaging to discuss.

“You can’t share what you don’t have — you can’t have what you don’t share”

I think at first I said, “Of course, we can’t share if we don’t have, then the next sentence is we can’t have what that we don’t share — this sentence is enough to make me think for a moment.”

I think this statement, while seemingly simple, delves into the intricacies of reciprocity, empathy, and the basic nature of human relationships.

So I think at its core, this phrase emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between possession and sharing, emphasizing that one cannot engage in the act of sharing without first having something to share. These possessions go beyond tangible assets and include intangible qualities such as knowledge, compassion, and understanding. In essence, to share these qualities with others, one must cultivate and embody them within oneself.

The final part of the statement, “You cannot have what you do not share,” highlights the concept of abundance and the benefits of collective sharing. This suggests that by hoarding or withholding resources, both material and emotional, individuals limit their capacity to receive and experience abundant rewards. In essence, generosity breeds abundance, and those who share freely are more likely to attract reciprocity from others and foster a sense of connectedness within their community.

If discussed further, this sentence is very broad, right? It goes beyond the realm of material possessions and includes the exchange of ideas, experiences and emotions. In the field of ideas, for example, collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential for innovation and intellectual growth. By openly sharing insights and perspectives, individuals contribute to a collective body of wisdom that benefits society as a whole.

Furthermore, on an emotional level, the act of sharing fosters empathy, compassion, and understanding between individuals. By empathizing with others’ experiences and openly sharing our weaknesses, we strengthen interpersonal relationships and cultivate supportive communities where everyone feels valued and understood.

But although one may extend generosity and share with others, there is no guarantee that the same level of reciprocity will be received in return. Nonetheless, the act of sharing itself is inherently beneficial, as it aligns with the intrinsic human desire to connect and contribute to something greater than ourselves.

I write this as a reminder to me and maybe you who read it too, “You can’t share what you don’t have — You can’t have what you don’t share” serves as a poignant reminder of the reciprocal nature of sharing and its profound impact its impact on individual and collective satisfaction — well-being. By embodying the values of generosity, empathy, and collaboration, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to creating a more compassionate and connected world for all.

So to be able to give or share something to others, you have to have it first. Additionally, to get something you want, you must be willing to share or give something you have.

There are many things we can share, such as we can share knowledge, time, love and support, skills, material resources, kindness, inspiration, opportunity, justice, and sincerity with others to create better communities and have a positive impact on the world around us.

As I reach out in offering, I pose this question to you: what will you choose to share?

Pinterest.

Good evening from me.

--

--

Indah Raudha J
Journal Kita

Hulla! Exploring the depths of great books and capturing their essence.