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Not quite. I meant humbled as a euphemism for one of those many petty humiliations one undergoes daily as part of survival, where one plays along out of ease and convenience, not as a reflection of our true desires. People accept the second-hand goods while they’d much prefer the luxury items. What’s the difference of outlook between one who takes the second hand sneakers vs the one who loots the brand new ones? Maybe it can be the same person given different opportunities, making the best of them. But maybe the first is reactive and cowardly, while the second is daring and has initiative.

At its worst, being a beggar is a reflection of resignation and learned helplessness, but can also be due to a crushed morale and self-esteem. There are structural factors that lead people into these precarious positions, while it keeps others in the relative privilege of being able to be charitable to them. The relationship of charity does not challenge these structures, while a relationship of complicity in conspiracy to attack these same structures, would. Solidarity means attack, helping each other attack is mutual aid.