That's often problem with maxims. They're effective because they're short and to point. However, it's assumed that entire context and meaning is understood.

For example, 'It's better to give than to receive' assumes that we understand that balance of life, joy of it, is in giving AND receiving. Many people need reminding that there is joy in both, but that greater joy is in giving. It could be considered a mini-sermon to those that believe 'Take care of yourself' means life is about them, that universe and everything in it was created to satisfy their every whim. To me, 'Take care of yourself' means making sure that your needs are given same importance as everyone else's.

Even when we initially understand original intent of a message, years of constant repetition tends to make us forget. Using our own experience and predisposition to guide us, we start creating our own context. For example, 'It's better to give than to receive' could start meaning we should only give and never receive. This creates a whole series of life problems. I suspect that many people who interpret giving in this way find it difficult to succeed in business because they have trouble charging correct price and end up giving product or service away. These are usually same people who would never consider taking anything from someone else without paying full price.

Individuals who take this to extreme also believe 'Giving, goood. Receiving, baaaad.' This now adds an element of judgment, not necessarily of other people's receiving (they do need someone to give to), but certainly of themselves. With a belief like that, taking or receiving of any kind, even their 'fair share', creates an uncomfortable state of being. Receiving for them means they are 'out of integrity' where 'being in integrity' means your actions match your words match your beliefs. They are usually first ones to offer aid, time, money, even their seat on a bus. It's just more comfortable to unload whatever they have received at earliest opportunity and it is almost painful for them if they have something and someone around them is going without.

The mind is like small child, who accepts and takes for granted whatever it sees or hears, without judgment and without considering consequences. If you let your mind behave as it likes and give it complete freedom, you lose your freedom.

We are constantly flooded with thoughts, ideas and information coming through five senses, other people, newspapers and TV. These thoughts, ideas and information penetrate mind whether we are aware of this process or not.

This outside flow influences our behavior and reactions. It influences way we think, our preferences, likes and dislikes. This means that we let outside powers shape our lives. So where is freedom?

Most people think and believe that their thoughts originate from them, but have they ever stopped and considered whether their thoughts, desires, likes and dislikes are really theirs? Maybe they are outside influences that they have unconsciously accepted?

If there is no filter to process thoughts that enter mind, there is no freedom. Then all actions are like actions of a puppet on a string, though no one will admit it.

You may object and say that thoughts that pass through your mind are yours, but are they? Have you deliberately and attentively created every thought that entered your mind?