Ep. 173 Finding GENEROSITY in Times of Suffering

Learn about the “science of generosity” and why a giving spirit helps us through even the most difficult times.

I learned to practice generosity from both of my parents at a young age and those experiences have shaped how I’ve lived my life. I’ll share some stories and talk about important research on generosity compiled by the Greater Good Science Center, including the benefits of giving to others no matter what we are facing in our personal lives.

Link to The Science of Generosity (white paper from GGSC)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

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FEATURE PRESENTATION:

Everything I know about generosity today I learned from my parents who grew up during the depression and mastered the art of giving to others in life-changing ways.

They showed me that it’s possible to be generous even during times of suffering–a lesson that was repeatedly demonstrated during the devastating November fires in Northern and Southern California this year.

Far from being frivolous or superfluous, human generosity might be deeply embedded in human behavior and play a vital role in our personal well-being and survival as a species. – Greater Good Science Center

This discussion includes:

The story of Dad’s winter coat
How Dad changed lives one broken-down car at a time
The story of Boris, his paintings and my Mom
Research findings from the Greater Good Science Center white paper “The Science of Generosity”
- We are wired for generosity
- Generosity is contagious
- The value of role-models for generosity
- The physical and emotional benefits of giving
- How money can buy happiness
Generosity as a buffer for stress during difficult times