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You are here : home > Values > Generosity > What is Generosity?

What is Generosity?


The topic of generosity is a complicated one. Beyond just the notion of "giving a gift," what does that really mean? Is it only giving to people who deserve your money, or is there more to it than that? It is essential to explore what the meaning of generosity really is, and understand insights about why becoming generous in your own life is helpful, while throwing light on why we should all try to teach our children to be generous. Ultimately, being generous doesn't have to be difficult if you remember the basic principles. Simply put, generous people choose to help others, without considering the cost, and without wanting or expecting anything in return from the other person. The true and pure form of generosity is when you're in a position to extend help, you decide to do so by being gracious towards those who need it. 

Generosity is a virtue that people with genuine and enlightened self-interest can learn and practice. It is the value of generosity which leads us to do good to others, even if it means doing so in order to achieve one's own true, long-term good. Being magnanimous is not limited to donating things or being materialistic about your help and support. It means giving time, wealth, or talent to help those in need. It can also be used to denote charity and the virtue of free giving, without yearning for something in return. It is not a favour. It is genuine help which comes without any strings attached. 

People show generosity in innumerable ways, from giving gifts of time and money, to everyday gestures of kindness to loved ones, to actions that require significant self-sacrifice, such as donating a kidney to a stranger. Whether we actively practice generosity or not, the good things we give can take many forms. It is the generosity of a group or individual resident that makes the greatest contribution. Giving things which are necessities to help others with valuable needs is an act of being magnanimous and generous. This beautiful value is meant to promote the true well-being of those who receive it. It is about giving to others not out of abundance, but by giving things that are good for others. 

Generosity is defined as the virtue of giving to others. It is not identical to pure altruism, to be clear, but people are generous in part because they serve their own interests and those of others. Many people tend to feel more joy and contentment when they change their lives through a personal act of generosity. The happier we feel when we give, the more likely we are to give in the future. Generosity is also a good thing for our mental health, because the more we give to those who matter to us, or to those who need it, it makes our life seem all the more worthwhile and fulfilling. 

Some benefits of consciously practising generosity in life are illustrated below.

1. Generous acts such as putting in time, talent, and resources without being rewarded or expecting something in return have shown to be good for our health. 

2. Generous people are happier, satisfied and more productive at home as well as work than those who are comparatively less generous.

3. Generosity increases the overall wellbeing of individuals when actions are taken for the benefit of other human beings, according to the Greater Good Science Center’s report on this practice and value.

4. Being magnanimous and generous leads to the emergence of purpose in one’s life and helps them discover the joy in giving.

5. It helps in making people feel emotionally rewarded when they play a role in eliminating or minimising someone else’s cause of misery or stress.

6. Being generous with an open heart and mind is a way to bring forth more kindness and gentleness in one’s persona.

7. It makes you less attached to the materialistic joys of the world and helps you connect on a deeper level with your fellow humans.

8. Generosity removes any sense of loss or regret which accompanies letting go of your time, effort or money in order to help someone else.

9. It strengthens relationships and binds people together, with the exchange of sincere love and commitment.

10. It helps you in expressing generosity in different ways possible, and lets you be limitless with this virtue. 

Take a moment to think about how you express generosity in your own life. If we embody the attitude of generosity, the good and positive things we share will spread even deeper into our hearts, offering freedom from the fear that one is afraid to give up on things or let go of materialistic dependency. It will also make you more open and let you absorb the real and important aspects of life, which lie beyond any commodity or luxury. Spend a little time looking at the good in people around you and ask them what good can they do in their daily life? If you’ve got a social worker at work or a nurse in a hospital who helps those who are terminally ill, give them a warm smile and ask them what they do at work to help others in need. Children are usually quite empathetic and you can use this question as a tool to help them see the good in others and it will be a lot easier for them to notice the good that they can do for others. Incorporate the habit of asking others how they are in every interaction. It doesn’t have to be a formal conversation. It’s actually quite easy to ask people how they are.

Generosity makes us feel that we are capable of impacting our surroundings and making a difference in the world, that if we take care of the needs of our fellow humans, we can transform our community into a healthier one. If generosity is seen as the opposite of self-interest and based on personal gain, then one of the most important steps we can take is to start practising it as often as possible. 

One of the most effective antidotes to lack of generosity is to give space in your life to those who need your help. In the case of being magnanimous and generous, it is important to focus on the needs of those to whom one gives. Generosity means giving to one another, which means, as we have observed, that those who give in abundance to others in need, end up leading a happier and more fulfilling life. 

Quite possibly the most impressive principles we can impart into our children is to be giving and generous. Generosity is portrayed as being prepared to give unreservedly, unselfishly, liberated from diminutiveness or selfishness of psyche or character. Being surrounded by generous and kind people creates a positive environment around an individual. There is something so extraordinary about giving individuals that brings life, bliss, strength and opportunity into the environment when they turn up. It's fascinating to see the word reference doesn't simply place generosity into the crate of just parting with cash or giving away money. You can show your children to carry on with an existence of giving if they are not monetarily secure. They don't need to hold back while waiting for their pay and your liberality doesn't need to be restricted by the money you have. The lone thing that restricts one’s generosity is our mentality and our approach. Generosity can be shown by giving physical, and emotional effort to someone, or spending time with a person who is feeling alone or needs someone to talk to.

You, as guardians and parents, can train your kids to be generous with their efforts, exceed all expectations and offer and offer unequivocally to another person. At the point when we are liberal ourselves with our time, our perspectives towards others, our assets and our cash and our support to other people, our youngsters will gain from our example. 

We as grown-ups and kids battle to put others before ourselves. Society urges us to pay special attention to being number one, over and over again. However, when we are centered around others' necessities and wants and search for approaches to favor them without any expectations, we assume ourselves to a position of satisfaction.

It takes a good foundation to grow into a generous and giving individual, which is why teaching our kids to become magnanimous is imperative. With this value, they will leave a positive impact and be able to lead a happier life. As a parent, it is very important to discuss the practice of giving with your children. After all, they will grow up, make mistakes and find out who they really are as people. Teaching your children how to be generous and giving at a young age will give them the confidence to be kind and generous in their lives, both as a child and once they grow up to become adults. Encourage them to do so by discussing this with them from an early age.

This valuable practise should be imparted to one’s own children because it will raise them to become kind and giving individuals. Some tips to share this quality with your young ones have been shared in the following section.

1. Become a role model of generosity by being thoughtful and helpful to those in need. 

2. Talk about being generous and point out when you see others being kind and engaging in acts of magnanimity. 

3. Work on giving: When there's a gift to give, have your child help select, wrap, and give it. 

4. Practice the virtue of hospitality by inviting other children into your home, so your own kids can work on sharing their space and their toys with others. 

5. Give encouraging feedback when you see your child sharing, giving, or being generous. 

6. Read books to your children which contain stories of generosity, kindness and extending help to others.

7. Always encourage your child to choose the right path and with sensitivity and consideration in all aspects of life.

8. Incorporate gratitude in your child’s life, as it will lead them to appreciate other people’s generosity, and inspire them to make this quality a part of their lives as well. 

Encourage your kids to be grateful for everything that they are blessed with. When kids are given the chance to be grateful, it is very important to teach them to be appreciative of everything that they have in life. It would help them to become more patient, kind and generous with others. In return, they would also become more grateful for what they have and be more loving, kind and generous themselves. Parents, after teaching your kids to be grateful for what they have in life, should also teach them to be thankful for every kindness and help from others. Remember that not everyone is kind and generous, and if you show them that kindness and helping others are great qualities, it would help them to incorporate these values in their own lives, and make them provide any form of help to others, as they grow older. Help your child to become a selfless, positive person who will always share whatever he or she has with others. This means, giving him a handkerchief or a present to give to someone who needs it at school. Teach your child to help others in need and never make them feel as if they have been taken advantage of. Once they learn this attitude, they will begin to treasure their possessions and will actually feel guilty when they hoard possessions or hide them. Teach your children to give gifts to others without expecting anything in return. This will make your children detach themselves from material possessions, and nurture real relationships with others later on in their lives. Many of the altruistic and benevolent behaviors tend to die off, with the society only watching them closely and noting their existence as stories to tell or anecdotes. And their impact is ephemeral when they are picked up only in passing. They die out when they are no longer an anomaly. But when there are people with the traits of courage, kindness, and honesty, the society will be fortunate to have them around for as long as they can be. In addition to this, it is even best to make a habit of asking your children for their thoughts regarding what they see, hear, or learn when you’re reading a book with them. It could make them feel included and bring out the virtuous qualities that they display in the books they love to read.



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