The "Selfishness" of Giving
For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. Jesus No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main…. any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. John Donne Virtue is its own reward, so the saying goes. Our lives should be characterised by generosity driven not by self-interest, but by compassion. However, human life is riddled with paradox. The practice of generosity reveals one of the most profound of all paradoxes. Those who practice generosity discover deep inner satisfaction. While the thrill of buying things for oneself often fades quickly, the joy generated by acts of kindness provides a long-lasting inner glow. Generosity builds character, and strong character attracts love and respect. In short, the very thing that feels like a small death to self,...