[dmm]

Baron, you're almost right about my reference. Actually it is a Star Trek (original series) reference, from the episode with Khan (Botany Bay?). The point in that episode is pretty much what you've said. But then in "The Wrath of Khan" we see him quoting Milton again, and this time it is clear that he is motivated solely by hatred (of Kirk, and, by extension, Starfleet and the Federation) and by revenge.

We should of course try to redress past wrongs, and also extend charity to the less fortunate. But there are very many in the world -- hundreds of thousands, if not millions -- who would take our peace offerings and then spit in our face. This doesn't mean that we shouldn't do what is right and good, but only that we shouldn't do it simply in expectation of a grateful response. It is well that "a good deed is its own reward" because all too often "no good deed goes unpunished."