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The Paradox of Generosity: Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose QUOTES

The Paradox of Generosity: Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose QUOTES

1 " Rather than leaving generous people on the short end of an unequal bargain, practices of generosity are actually likely instead to provide generous givers with essential goods in life—happiness, health, and purpose—which money and time themselves simply cannot buy. That is an empirical fact well worth knowing. "

― Christian Smith , The Paradox of Generosity: Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose

2 " generosity involved in proactively forgiving other people. This form of generosity, and the positive feelings it evokes in generous forgivers, have been shown by studies to reduce stress, tension, and sadness, and to lead to lower heart rates, lower skin conduction levels, and lower blood pressure. By contrast, those who ungenerously hold grudges are more angry, feel less in control of their lives, and, partly as a result, exhibit symptoms of unhealthy physical conditions. "

― Christian Smith , The Paradox of Generosity: Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose

3 " to Tocqueville, and reiterated by Robert Bellah and collaborators in their landmark study of American life Habits of the Heart, this pursuit of what one does not have makes it difficult for people to form bonds with one another. Their minds “are more anxious and on edge.” Because “they clutch everything,” they can “hold nothing fast. "

― Christian Smith , The Paradox of Generosity: Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose

4 " variety of kinds of practices of generosity are positively and significantly associated with five important good life outcomes. Giving money, volunteering, being relationally generous, being a generous neighbor and friend, and personally valuing the importance of being a generous person are all significantly, positively correlated with greater personal happiness, physical health, a stronger sense of purpose in life, avoidance of symptoms of depression, and a greater interest in personal growth. "

― Christian Smith , The Paradox of Generosity: Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose