"It is better to give than receive." Although not universally accepted, a lot of us would agree with that statement. But, if there is no one who is willing to receive, is it possible to give? And if that is the case, isn't receiving just as important as the giving?
"Don't be a taker." Once again, not universally agreed upon, though most would agree with the sentiment. But, is not a taker another name for a receiver?
As an eclectic student of languages, I am always struck by the number of synonyms and antonyms for words. If you go to a thesaurus, you will find lists of such. When I look over the lists, I find myself sometimes saying "yes, that is very close" and, at other times, "why did they list that -- that doesn't seem very close to the original word at all." Sometimes, it is a matter of context and specific definition of the word. Words often have multiple meanings listed within a dictionary listing -- and the order of usage/recognition varies with the time in history as well as environment of the user.
So, let's look at a few of the listed synonyms for "taker". It lists such words as parasite, scrounger, and dependent. It does also list the word "receiver". But if the word "receiver" is researched, it comes up with words such as beneficiary, possessor, or payee. There is definitely a different feeling to the words. So, even though a thesaurus may indicate some overlap between taker and receiver, they are used very differently. The same type of result can be found when researching the words giver and relinquisher.
What is the difference? I would suggest that it is a matter of flow. Something will move from the giver towards the taker. It will also move from the relinquisher towards the receiver. But, in the case of the taker, the impetus of the movement is from the point of view of the taker. The taker is reaching toward the original possessor and bringing it towards them. The original possessor may, or may not, be willing for this movement.
In the case of the receiver, it is implied that the receiver is NOT actively trying to obtain the object. The movement is being initiated by the giver.
To rephrase common phrases -- to give is divine but, in order to give, there must
be a receiver.
-- when taking without permission there may be
relinquishing but not giving.
