Definitions: (1) characterizes one who produces good <especially performing acts of kindness and charity>; (2) describes thoughts, words, or deeds resulting in actual advantage <especially for others>
Derivation: Latin, “to do good or well”
Quotes:
• The indescribable innocence of, and beneficence of, Nature – of sun and wind and rain, of summer and winter – such health, such cheer, they afford forever! — Henry David Thoreau (1817-1872) American naturalist
• Beneficence is a duty; and he who frequently practices it, and sees his benevolent intentions realized comes, at length, really to love him to whom he has done good. — Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) Prussian philosopher
Symbol: periwinkle flowers