On the other hand I'm generous in other ways. I often give large tips to restaurant servers and cabbies and hairdressers, I give clothes and books to charity, I give money to charity, and I've given blood 33 times. So I'm not all bad.
Of course generosity is a slippery concept, and depends very much on the context. If a billionaire gives a sandwich to a homeless person, that's not exactly generous because the billionaire has nothing to lose. But if someone desperately poor gives the sandwich, that's generosity in spades.
Generosity can also take subtle and invisible forms we tend to overlook. Like taking the time to listen to someone who's in distress, or being tactful about someone's awful cooking or hideous haircut, or guiding someone out of a tight parking space.
And generosity can mean not just giving something but waiving something. Like cancelling a debt or letting a flat rent-free or not charging for a bit of professional advice (not that I've ever been the recipient of such gestures, sorry to say).
I could resolve to be more generous, but I don't think it's something you can just switch on. I think it's something that comes naturally, maybe with generous parents or generous friends showing the way.
Anyway, what about all the fascinating and thought-inspiring posts I've churned out in the last 16 years. Isn't that a magnificent act of generosity?
Hahahahaha!! I sometimes think that I don't 'give' enough, but then I tell myself that I've been entertaining the troops via my blog posts!!!
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, I do give things to charity shops that others might try to sell on eBay, so my laziness can make me seem generous!!
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Ms Scarlet: We're the same, we give stuff to charity rather than go through all the hassle of selling.
DeleteI agree that generosity can mean so many things.
ReplyDeleteColette: It can. I really admire people who have very little but are still habitually generous to others.
DeleteSome are more generous with their time than their money. I think that counts for more so wish I could still do all those things. Now I have to settle for giving money and donating things. I am careful about where I give money, though, as I want it to actually do good.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Linda: I admire prison visitors for giving their time to people in such miserable situations.
DeleteI honestly never think about it. I learned from my parents to give and not just money, but time, attention and where the need is great. I advocate for the betterment of others always and offer help in multiple areas. Never forcing it on anyone but being aware to needs. I'm not bragging JFC no. But there are many ways to give. I never give money on the street but always, always ask what they need and either buy it for them or listen to their stories (that happens a lot). I try not to be overwhelmed with the aching needs out there, there is so much, but I do my best.
ReplyDeleteXO
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www: You've always struck me as a very generous person - with time, sympathy or whatever. I agree you should ask street-people what they actually want or need. Plenty of aching needs, for sure.
DeleteLike you, I’m generous in some ways, but not others. I suppose it evens out.
ReplyDeleteBijoux: Yes, I suppose the acts of generosity and the acts of non-generosity do tend to even out.
DeleteNick, all that you are not doing we are doing it all the time. Saïd knows what to have hunger means , he grew up under desastrous conditions which still today is the life of many Palestiniens.My family survived in the war times being hidden and protected by generous people. So we give back.now a little . Eating for a homeless is important , but listening to him and sharing a while in showing that he is part of this not so friendly society means much more. You are doing a lot of things, but you avoid the real contact with poverty and distress which probably has a reason only you may know. We have a fulfilled life . our philosophy consists in being human in all occasions ,because we know that life can change in a second from good to bad .
ReplyDeleteHannah
Hannah: Indeed, life can change in a second from good to bad, which is why I'm aware of my fortunate existence and never take it for granted. You're right, I have no real contact with poverty and distress but I understand very well what terrible lives a lot of people lead because of the cruelty and indifference and arrogance of the political elites, the big corporations etc. And yes, Palestinians are still in a dreadful situation.
DeleteJoanne said: "Generosity starts early, at home. My mother taught me to notice if a neighbor's child needed school shoes or a winter coat, and sent me out to buy same. I taught my children and grandchildren."
ReplyDeleteJoanne: You had very caring parents, and good to know that you've passed that habit down the line.
DeleteMy father said that someone in need today could be me tomorrow...who knows how life will turn out....so try to help where you can.
ReplyDeleteFly: Exactly. It could be us. We think we're doing all right but there might be some big disaster just round the corner.
DeleteI've helped people who are around me at times. If someone in line in front of me at the grocery store was a few dollars short I have made up the difference a few times. I've never given blood because that falls in my belief of not donating organs. But I've done other things.
ReplyDeleteMary: Those people you helped in the grocery store must have been very grateful for your stepping in.
DeleteGenerosity is a discipline like all others. You get better at it as you do it
ReplyDeleteKylie: I guess that's true.
DeleteGenerosity takes a lot of different forms. I wouldn't say you're not a generous person at all. I'd just say that you're generous in very specific ways, and there's nothing wrong with that. I think I'm very generous in some ways and not at all generous in others. Like Bijoux said above, hopefully it balances out.
ReplyDeleteDanielle: Generous in very specific ways - yes, I think that describes me well. I'm not impulsively generous, I tend to think carefully about whether to be generous or not.
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