Another take on 'image association'
In practice the philosophy of PAY IT FORWARD has broadened relative to its literary roots, and now it incorporates a more general flavor of social responsibility and desire to help others in recognition of the help one has received for one's self. It is also sometimes described as being "good for a favor", meaning a willingness to help others (even strangers) on the expectation that it will all come back around in the end.
