"We would all like a reputation for generosity and we'd all like to buy it cheap"

This quote by Mignon McLaughlin talks to the human desire to be seen as generous and kind. We all wish to be seen as generous and offering, but we don't want to have to put in the effort or invest the cash to do so. We wish to be able to purchase our track record for kindness inexpensively, without needing to put in the effort or make the sacrifices that real kindness needs. This quote talks to the human propensity to want to take faster ways and to wish to be seen in a specific light without needing to put in the effort to really be that method. It is a reminder that real kindness needs effort and sacrifice, which shortcuts will not get us the credibility we desire.