Thoughts On Generosity

In the face of the pessimism of the present political dogma that denigrates kindheartedness and generosity with shouts of “woke” being somehow horrible, I believe that tolerance, integrity, kindness, and generosity bring out humanity’s innate goodness. If we can ensure future generations that their talent and work will be backed with sustainable resources and an expansive cultural mindset, they will have the tools to help them thrive.

Looking back at my own personal history, I can attest to the fact that the generosity of others was of great benefit to my wellbeing. In the past, there were times when I barely got by on a level well below the official poverty line designation. I struggled to find work, even part time labor. Through a boost from state funded food stamps, I was able to avoid a more desperate mindset. Neighbors and acqaintances helped provide other essentials and gave leads about odd jobs. I fondly remember the faces of the people who stepped in when my hopes were at rock bottom.

They were people who modestly shared kindness and aid without fanfare nor humble-bragging. They wore their generosity as comfortably as a favorite, old pair of blue jeans. Their efforts were not demeaning; but were overflowing with compassion. Some of these people became close friends. Basically, they were rank and file folks who became role models to the people they encountered.

“My father died when I was nine and a half. We were on relief for two years. They call it welfare now, but it was relief then… I never forgot the generosity of New York.”– media host and writer, Larry King

Many of us feel good about cultures that are based upon generosity. It’s refreshing to know that there are places on Earth where people pull together in the spirit of community. In such cultures, nobody is left behind. They have an ages-old tradition of humanitarianism at their core. Their generosity is remarkable to the point that we find it inspirational.

Nobody can occupy the mind and conscience but oneself. Nobody else dwells in patience when impatience threatens our peacefulness. Who else chooses not to act out of self-righteousness when our thinking is judgmental? Who can live our own lives as we deem fit regardless of who preaches to us that we should conform? Who else can cultivate the mindset of generosity than ourselves?

“What is called generosity is usually only the vanity of giving; we enjoy the vanity more than the thing given.”–17th century French writer, François de La Rochefoucauld

Through the years, the differences between selfishness and generosity have fascinated people. We find justifications for both, so this can feel confusing. At what point does self-care become indulgence. When does charity become extreme sacrifice? Is our generosity delivered out of the desire for public acclaim? Choice is the main thing standing between us and becoming the wise, creative, and compassionate people we envision. Nobody can authentically occupy our generosity but us.

Namaste

The Blue Jay of Happiness quotes American film and theater director, Mike Nichols. “The degree to which you’re peculiar and different is the degree to which you must learn to hear people thinking. Just in self-defense you have to learn, where is their kindness? Where is their danger? Where is their generosity?”