Thinking partners share thinking gifts with each other ritually. The relationship cultivates the habit of the philosophical thinking mode as a way of life, of philosophical dialogue as a way of relating to the other, of universalizing concepts, of sharing ideas, of refining arguments. Thinking gifts:
Are given daily, in habit, creating a challenge and ritual of being in thinking mode, reading some philosophical text each day or observing the world and interactions around with a philosophical interest.
Are given selflessly, without the expectation of the gift inspiring particular kinds of feedback, without the expectation that the other will offer some specific response, without the expectation that the other will reciprocate.
Are given generously, self contained, with argument and conclusion. They can be short, open to interpretation, or longer, with plenty of evident inspiration, while conscious that the point is not to drown or overwhelm the other.
Are given openly, with a vulnerable but not weak attitude, ready for criticism or refinement from the other, in the growth mindset. The other provides some alterity and authenticity by fulfilling the role of receiver or with responses.
Like a lover attending to his beloved, the philosopher discovers that giving ritually, selflessly, generously, and openly is often met with pleasure, reciprocity, energy, joy. The gifting act is more often than not an instigating act, and rather mutually beneficial. Being generous and open to the possibilities of the unscripted unknown is to accept with delight the alterity, authenticity, growth mindset, and benefits of dialogue.
I like the way you describe the philosopher, where you insist more on his attitude than on the content of his gifts. Thanks also for this beautiful idea that generosity is about giving but also about accepting to receive. And this is a key point that any thinker should meditate on. Bye:)