Is the passage He who gives himself entirely to his fellow men appears to them useless and selfish but he who gives himself partially to them in pronounced a benefactor and philanthropist. a metaphor?

Yes, the passage employs a metaphor by contrasting the perceptions of selflessness and partial generosity. It suggests that those who fully dedicate themselves to others may be viewed as unhelpful or self-serving, while those who give only a fraction of themselves are celebrated as benefactors. This metaphor highlights the irony in societal values regarding altruism and the complexities of human relationships.