Kindness flows from a long lineage, passed down from generation to generation, birth to different civilizations. History always highlights passages about wars, plagues, and scientific explorations, although there is more than just the dark and revolutionary past.
A much brighter side of history emphasizes kindness and the power of generosity. Countries became united, saving millions of lives and allowing continuous trading due to the different treaties and agreements signed out of generosity. It is safe to say that the world has become a better place to live, where humans can prosper and enjoy life at their comfort.
The power of generosity encompasses a broad scope, and it is not just about giving something. Human beings willingly provide and fulfil the act of kindness, although there is a deeper root for all of that. Some may know how powerful generosity is, while others don’t.
For the following passages, enlighten yourself with the power of generosity.
The More You Give, The More You Get
Have you ever noticed that you also tend to receive the joy back every time you commit an act of kindness? Let’s say you share someone a piece of your bread, and they say thanks cheerfully in return. Often when that happens, you feel a warm sensation in your heart that makes you glad you did it. The case will be different, though, if you give something when someone forces you to. These two scenarios of your feelings are justified by the statement, “Generosity comes from the heart.” You can only feel the power of generosity when you commit it wholeheartedly.
Aside from the feeling of happiness after doing a generous act, there are times that you’ll notice a change in the environment. People around you seem to be more optimistic in your point of view, making you productive in what you’re doing. The simple act triggered a chain reaction that can brighten your whole day. Some instances may be too narrow for you to see, yet optimism still affects other people.
The concept of giving for the sake of receiving more is not objective. No scientific basis or factual information supports the concept, and it varies depending on who you show kindness to. There will be those who value your act of kindness and decide to give back someday. Others will acknowledge your help as an inspiring memory, while there will be those that will forget what you did.
Despite whatever the result, know that when you helped someone, you did it without any hesitation. You did it with an open heart, and you’re happy about it. In the end, your happiness matters. The more you give, the more joy you’ll receive.
The Good Life
Numerous Greek philosophers would refer to happiness as the end-goal of life. One particular philosopher, namely Aristotle, defines “Eudaimonia” or the state of happiness that is only achievable by doing virtuous acts. And one can only call himself living the eudaimonic life if they find joy in giving.
Virtue may come in different forms, although for Aristotle to become virtuous, you must sacrifice yourself for the good of others. Perform virtuous acts until they become habitual. The word “sacrifice” is the highest form of generosity known to humankind. Sacrificing means giving up yourself for someone else’s sake, but the interesting part about eudaimonia is that you’re doing it for your own sake.
Simply put it this way, to achieve the state of happiness, you must do virtuous acts, and to do virtuous deeds, you must sacrifice yourself to others by being generous. It is hard to believe Aristotle’s philosophy, but it connects back to the basics of giving and receiving. You act generously and, in turn, receive happiness.
The power of generosity is traceable way back more than two thousand years ago when Aristotle and other Greek philosophers after him followed the Eudaimonic teachings. These bright minds were the first to understand the concept. It is not a question that they applied what they preach by sharing their philosophies to the succeeding generations.
Giving for Free
The act of generosity does not always come with a cost. There are so many things that you could give without spending a pound. Remember that generosity does not always involve money, and the results can be more overwhelming than you thought.
Let’s start first by giving a smile. There’s this famous saying, “A smile can brighten anyone’s day.” which is true. Have you ever noticed that receiving a smile from someone also makes you smile? Your body tends to react to the smile, making you feel happy. The same occurrence applies when you smile at another person. Most of the time, they’ll smile back or greet with a nod, assuring that you got their attention. For instance, you succeed in letting them feel joy, and you did it for free.
Next is giving time for someone. People constantly struggle with their burdens, and the majority of them need a lending hand or someone to talk to for the sake of releasing their emotions. It can be your friend or perhaps a family member going through a lot of stuff, and talking to them can be a great help. Your time and presence will be vital, giving them the courage to face the problem, knowing that you are there for them.
Lastly is giving love. Loving does not often mean intimate. You can provide it for free, but know that it comes at a great price if you love someone too much. Be sure to prepare yourself, and do not go all out. Don’t let your heart make all the decisions, and let your mind handle your feelings from time to time. We can choose who to love, but sometimes we can also love a person unwillingly. In the end, despite being happy or hurt, you know that you give it for free, and you must not lose yourself over it.
Whatever the outcome, be happy and contented because that is the power of generosity, your happiness.