About Generosity

Compact Oxford English Dictionary, 3^rd Ed. (2005)

Function: adjective

1.     freely giving more than is necessary or expected.

2.     kind towards others.

3.     larger or more plentiful than is usual.

Origin: originally in the sense "of noble birth": from Latin generosus ‘noble, magnanimous’.

About Generosity:

• Generosity is supported by all of the major religious traditions and is universally considered a “virtue.” In some religious contexts, financial giving is presented as a duty or requirement, and driven by social pressure or fear of divine judgment.
  
  
• Money is a sensitive topic that people often consider private. Some people are more comfortable talking about their generosity with time, skill, muscle, and intelligence than their generosity with money. The dynamic of “having” and others “not-having” can fill people with guilt and shame, no matter which side of this line they find themselves.
  
  
• Philanthropy is “hot” right now and is becoming more a part of the mainstream culture. Business leaders such as Bill Gates, celebrities such as Bono, and named foundations have created a higher public consciousness about charitable giving. “Oprah’s Big Give” was a recent reality television show where people competed to create the most impressive acts of charity for pre-selected strangers.
  
  
• Some people are using charitable giving as a new kind of consumerism: as a way to establish status, as a type of intangible acquisition. Charitable organizations build in benefits for donors that commonly include cloth tote-bags, positive media coverage, status-building social events, naming rights for prominent buildings. Our IRS tax codes also provide a benefit to giving charitable donations. If individuals are focused on what they gain through the “exchange relationship”, their efforts to be charitable may not be personally satisfying or spiritually fulfilling for them.
  
  
• Generosity as a spiritual endeavor. When approached with commitment: It is challenging as a daily practice and as a long term commitment. It provides the giver no outward benefit (status, material comfort, personal security); the returns are deeply felt. It requires humility, a non-judgmental approach, and letting go of power and control. It also requires empathy, good listening skills, and sensitivity to make sure the generosity is not misdirected. It is a sacrifice - to give up non-essentials that you want so that others have what they need. It requires faith; that you will be able to earn more money in the future, and that others will be charitable to you if you need it (the other side of generosity is receiving). Through gifts to those you do not know, or may never meet, it demonstrates the value of every human being – regardless of personal characteristics or circumstances. It expresses gratitude for all of the blessings you have been given and all you have been able to earn. It opens direct connections and breaks down barriers between you and those you are generous toward.
  
  
• Financial generosity can contribute to feelings of “generativity” (Eric Ericson - to care for and guide the next generation), achievement, satisfaction, belonging, and connectedness.
  
  
• Generosity is a cornerstone of social justice work. It can correct disparities and bridge the gap between groups of people.