Generosity is the Future

Thoughts on Chris Anderson’s Infectious Generosity and why giving is our best next move

I’ve been working on this project for a few years and I sometimes get asked, “What is the big picture of Present Giving?” The vision for it is not like anything else I’ve seen. Ironically, doesn’t neatly fit into a box with a bow. At its heart, it’s meant to be an inspiration for living with a generous mindset.

It’s also, an obsession to make this resource void in my mind real. That its content fosters deeper connections and saves landfills from generic gift sets. It’s also therapy, giving myself active participation in advocating for a future that cares more for others. One where we elevate our ability to truly see one another through acts of giving not necessarily embedded in commerce.

I want to offer a resource that houses ideas for creative giving through actions, objects, and spirit, not to mention a place to help navigate the sometimes relational complexities that come with giving and receiving. Imagine something like Martha Stewart Living but topics centered around Giving. One place to go for all gifting and generosity inspiration.

The happiness we get from doing something for others is sadly left out of the robust “self-care” conversations. If there was ever an instant fix to feeling better, it’s doing something for others. I know most of the people who get this email personally and know I’m speaking to a generous, kind-hearted choir. But as we become more “connected,” more globalized, yet ever busier and segmented, lives more abundant, yet opportunities more disparate, “generosity” is urgently called for. In our ever-optimized society, generosity is a multiplier. On the scale of what matters most, it is a better return on investment than "productivity" will ever be so it deserves more conversation and attention.

Considering this, I was first in line for the new book by Chris Anderson (CEO of TED) called Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading. Some of my takeaways are below but if you want to feel energized and get an immunity boost of optimism, check out the book. Or, please, if nothing else, listen to Chris’s own TED talk about Infectious Generosity ideas. It is a great overview of the book and it is 20 minutes well spent. (Also interviews on podcasts 10% Happier: The Science of Generosity: Why it Makes You Happier and How to Do It Effectively or Sam Harris’, Making Sense: Generosity, Cynicism, and the Future of Doing Good. The ideas, stories, suggestions, and hope will deliver happy tears.

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Infectious Generosity Takeaways

“Why I wrote the book?
I’ve come to see generosity as the most important connective tissue to change the world.”

Chris Anderson knows the power of giving. It wasn’t until they decided to share the TED recordings for FREE that it took off and became the force it is today. Yes, we are battling rampant disinformation but technology also holds the keys to compounding forces for good. Generous acts can be amplified and inspire others to generous acts in ways not previously possible.

One of my favorite things he addresses is that kindness is perceived as boring. “If you start talking about kindness, people think you’re crazy, but kindness is a tough response to the world.” Responding to these times with kindness and a generous mindset is not an easy thing. It requires that we are in touch with a wiser self and deeper knowledge.

One chapter of the book I wanted to share here was: 6 Ways to Give that Aren’t About Money.

Attention:
Seeing each other in all our humanity is one of the most powerful acts we can do. We spend much of our time lost in our own worlds and are often reluctant to focus on things others are dealing with which may only complicate our lives so we put up shields. The generosity of attention means a willingness to be a little uncomfortable, give up some time, and risk caring. “One of the most powerful choices we can make each day is to be aware of how we interact with those around us.” See Suspended Coffee for an example.

Bridging:
In this day and age, this might be the most necessary generous act. Bridging is reaching out to those we are in conflict with to try and reach a resolution. Dylan Marron is a social justice content creator who started reaching out to his critics in an attempt to humanize the conversation and created a Podcast: Conversations with People Who Hate Me. Helping to change the tone of discussion is a gift to everyone. Every one of us is a fellow human being with a unique story we need more listening and less reactionary judging.

Knowledge:
Sharing knowledge as generosity is our species' superpower. Even after you give away knowledge, you still have it. As Thomas Jefferson said, "He who lights his candle at mine, receives light without darkening me." If you have knowledge others can benefit from, consider how you could share it, it may create ripple effects in someone’s life. The story of Khan Academy is one of the best.

Connection:
Think of how you may have met your partner, or found your job, it was likely through a connection. Making an introduction could be one of the most simple, life-changing forms of generosity we do.

Hospitality:
One of the key expressions of our generosity and humanity. Gathering in someone’s home and sharing a meal brings us together, taps into our deepest instincts, and evokes a desire to reciprocate. How to make them more powerful: Encourage whole-table dinners, anchored by a single topic or theme. Move away from opinion and towards feeling. What have you seen recently that gives you hope? What is something you’re worried about that few people are worried about? How might we respond to it? What is something that you feel gratitude for that we couldn’t have guessed? What are you dreaming about? For yourself, for your family, for the community, or the world in general?

Enchantment:
This is a form of generosity especially potent for people with a creative spirit. Creating art, wonder, beauty, transcendence, all elements of enchantment, is profoundly healing and transformative. Like a campfire, it brings light, hope, and warmth and beckons people to join in. When we can offer that it’s a gift of immense value, it can transform the culture. Read about artist Lily Yeh's role in creating beauty in downtrodden communities where she sees enormous potential and readiness for transformation and rebirth.

For fun inspo, check out TIGG (The Infectious Generosity Guru) Chri’s team has created, which is a “benevolent AI assistant for your generosity journey. TIGG learns from you and helps you create and action your ideas. It is a 24/7 coach with endless ideas, support, and tools to make your generosity spread far and wide, infectious and inspiring, across social media.”