Give as your power will to them that have need

And then you ought to give as your power will (by measure) to them that have need, and be glad of it. For he that gives otherwise he breaks the rule of largess and charity. And he that gives his goods to him that has no need, he gets no thanks. And all that he gives to them that be not glad of it, is lost. And he that spends his goods outrageously, shall soon come to the wildest edge of poverty, and is like him that gives victory to his enemies over him. But a king that gives his goods measurably to them that have need, is liberal to himself and his subjects. And his realm shall come to great prosperity, and his commandment shall be fulfilled.

– Aristotle to Alexander the Great, Kitab Sirr Al-Asrar, 10th cent