Everybody, not just stars, should take up the responsibility of

The words of Ali, “Everybody, not just stars, should take up the responsibility of giving back to society. It doesn't matter how much you give, but what really matters is if you are willing to give something,” carry the fragrance of humility and the fire of justice. In this saying lies a simple but eternal truth: that the health of a society is not upheld by a few mighty benefactors, but by the daily generosity of all its members. Ali reminds us that giving is not measured by the weight of gold, but by the willingness of the heart. Even the smallest offering, when born of sincerity, becomes a treasure greater than wealth.

The origin of this wisdom is found in every age where the few have been exalted and the many overlooked. In our time, celebrities, rulers, and the wealthy are often praised when they give, while the everyday sacrifices of ordinary people remain hidden. Ali’s words rise against this imbalance, proclaiming that the responsibility of giving back belongs not to the rich alone, but to every soul who calls a community home. For society is not built only by the mighty, but by the countless unseen hands that contribute quietly, faithfully, and without applause.

History bears witness to this truth. Consider the ancient story of the widow’s mite, told in sacred scripture. While the wealthy cast great sums into the treasury, it was the poor widow who gave two small coins, all she possessed, who was praised above them all. Her gift was small in size, but infinite in meaning, for she gave from her heart, not from her abundance. So too, Ali’s words remind us: greatness in giving is not measured in numbers, but in willingness, in sacrifice, in the courage to contribute what one can.

And think also of the countless unnamed citizens who, in times of war or plague, gave what little they had—shelter for the fleeing, food for the hungry, a comforting hand for the dying. Their names are not recorded in books of fame, yet their quiet gifts sustained nations and preserved the very thread of civilization. The truth of Ali’s saying shines here: it does not matter how much you give, but whether you give something. A society survives not because of stars alone, but because of ordinary hearts choosing generosity.

The meaning of his words is also a call to cast aside excuses. Many say, “I am too small to make a difference. My gift is nothing compared to the great ones.” But Ali answers this lie with clarity: the measure of your gift is not its size, but your willingness. A cup of water given to the thirsty is greater than riches hoarded. A kind word spoken to the weary may heal more deeply than the wealth of kings. In this way, every person is capable of shaping the destiny of their community.

The lesson for us is eternal: do not wait until you are rich, or powerful, or celebrated before you begin to give. Begin now, with what you have. If you have wealth, share it. If you have time, offer it. If you have knowledge, teach it. If you have compassion, extend it. Giving back is not the privilege of the few but the duty of all. A society where each person gives is a society where no one is abandoned, and where the bonds of fellowship are unbreakable.

Practical actions are within reach. Volunteer in your community, even if only for an hour. Share a meal with a neighbor in need. Mentor the young, comfort the old, or simply listen to the lonely. Support causes that heal and uplift, not only with money but with presence and voice. Teach children that generosity is not an occasional act but a way of life. In this way, Ali’s wisdom becomes not only words but living practice, renewing society from the ground up.

Thus let these words echo across generations: everybody must give, not just stars. The greatness of a community is not found in the wealth of its richest, but in the generosity of all. And in choosing to give—even the smallest gift—we weave together the fabric of compassion that sustains the world. Let this teaching endure: what matters most is not how much you give, but that you are willing to give at all.