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“It’s better to give than to receive.”
This quotation has long circled humanity for the reason that it encourages kindness and generosity, traits that bring people together. There has been a long, withstanding debate on whether true altruism exists. In understanding why people give, the question of whether they do so selflessly surfaces. Regardless of their current circumstances, even with little to no resources for themselves, people don’t fail to give or share what’s theirs.
How is giving a practice deemed effortless by many?
From a religious and moral standpoint, people understand the significance of giving. As it’s how God has lived all His life, they’re constantly heartened to follow in His steps, generosity planted in their hearts.
Years of preaching this principle have been fruitful, as a significant fraction of the population has become kind. Whether it’s to appeal to Him or simply out of their own will, people have developed a natural inclination to help and provide when they can. Many might argue that there’s no such thing as altruism without people’s self-interest.
But when it benefits both sides, does it matter?
What Is the Point of Giving?
In answering the massive case of why people give, understanding what lies at the core of the behavior is crucial. Motivations are highly personal. People give for several different reasons, some of which are typically self-serving in a way. People give because they want to. They help others because it’s their way of giving back and reciprocating God’s blessings. They do so because they think it’s what’s right.
Finding a singular answer to the question of why people give might be futile. However, what can be done is to unravel the very reason such behaviors exist.
In her book Giving Is Not Just for the Very Rich, Susan Aurelia Gitelson tackles the nitty-gritty of philanthropy. She lists the numerous benefits of generosity in hopes of answering why people give. Her book breaks down what lies at the core of people’s kindness, explaining why, regardless of financial capacity, some are still capable of wholeheartedly giving and helping others.
Where does giving fit in people’s financial planning? Do they provide a portion of what they’re earning to these organizations or people in need, or is it a come-as-it-may situation?
Essentially, the point of giving isn’t to include or bank it around people’s economic status or current finances. Rather, it’s deeply rooted in Christian life. People give not because they’re abundant with resources. If that’s the case, giving is a pursuit limited to the rich. Instead, they give because it’s what’s expected. It’s how they show their love to each other and how they’re expected to live by God’s will. People give because they know how they’ve received much and that there’s more to life than simply holding on to resources.
Why People Give Without Expecting Reciprocation
If the question of why people give were to be posted, a common answer would revolve around reciprocation. Perhaps people give because when they’re in the opposite position, they want people to help them as well. It’s a perception that generosity only exists, so this cycle continues.
People give because they also want to receive.
However, while it can be challenging to believe, some give without expecting anything.
In fact, according to research referenced in Psychology Today, one of the common reasons why people give is simply because people ask them. It’s as simple as that. They gave not because they thought the gesture would find the future. Instead, it has somehow become a natural reaction when people ask.
Sure, this can’t eliminate any subconscious thought of reciprocation. But this also doesn’t remove the thought that some people give because it’s simply their nature. They extend their hands to others without primarily expecting them to give anything back. Love gives, and as they can be loving in nature, this can fundamentally be the basis of why people give.
Generosity is a Psychological Chocolate
Without expecting anything in return, how do people benefit from giving?
One of the established reasons people give is that it makes them feel good. They may not expect any monetary or resource back, but feeling good is already enough reinforcement for the behavior. Neuroscientists have seen how generosity lights up the same parts of the brain that respond to food and leisure. Hence, while giving is essentially the opposite, it makes people feel rewarded.
It’s found to reduce stress and increase happy hormones. This anatomical reaction doesn’t even depend on the amount given. Instead, it’s the very act of helping others that makes people feel good.
Philanthropy isn’t universal. It may not be a trait found in everyone. But it can be something that’s innate in most. Fortunately, generosity can ripple from when people observe it in others. Hence, the more people give, the more they encourage others to do so. There may be no such thing as true altruism, as everyone feels rewarded for giving. But reasons should be considered nothing compared to the benefits people receive from these acts.
If you’re interested in understanding the concept of philanthropy more, grab a copy of Susan Aurelia Gitelson’s Giving Is Not Just for the Very Rich.
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