Giving happily: Why generosity pays off and even makes us happy

Is it a feeling? A character trait? Or simply a matter of attitude? What we know for sure: generosity pays off. And twice as much. Because it makes the recipient happy, but also the giver. The reason: It activates the same reward mechanisms in the brain as sex and food. This in turn leads to a release of the “happiness hormone” dopamine. It also gives our lives meaning and depth. Because giving without expecting anything in return is touching.

we can be by giving a nice compliment or smile. Do a favor or volunteer. Make a small donation or invite them feudally. All of this strengthens the connection between friends and creates closeness between strangers. And is fuel for an appreciative.

“Generosity fuels mutual trust and makes cooperation possible. And our entire civilization is built on this,” writes US journalist and TED conference leader Chris Anderson in his new book “Infectious Generosity”. So the potential for generosity is deeply rooted within us. A primal biological instinct to strengthen our place in the community and ability to survive. “But we have to keep reminding ourselves of this and consciously sharpen this instinct.”

A number of scientific studies have now proven why this is so important. A global Gallup survey showed that people who donated money were significantly happier a month later than the comparison group. To the same extent as if her salary had doubled!

Furthermore, the happiness of generosity lasts. Unlike the hedonistic version of quick satisfaction. “Generosity begins with gratitude. Feeling this automatically leads to the need to want to give something back,” says Anderson. The best part: generosity is contagious. “Watching someone perform an act of generosity inspires you to act and think generously yourself,” affirms Anderson.

In a TED experiment with the University of British Columbia, a wealthy couple gave 200 people $10,000 each. The result: The generosity of the two encouraged almost everyone to donate an average of two thirds of it. This even works virtually. One generosity video can set off a chain reaction.

“The internet has many downsides, but when it comes to generosity it opens up whole new possibilities and dimensions, such as donation crowdfunding,” says Anderson. The best example: the “Ice Bucket Challenge,” which quickly raised several million for ALS research in 2014. Therefore: think big! Try to inspire others with humor and creativity. “We are social creatures and making things happen together fires us up. “So what seems impossible can become possible,” says Anderson. The desire to gain a good reputation still plays a role today, “but gratitude from others is the greater motivation in the long term.”

If, despite all your generosity, you still get the feeling that you could have given and done so much more, it is important to let go of this perfection filter. “You can improve the world even in small steps.”

Anderson's specific tip: "Instead of feeling guilty because you spent six euros on a cappuccino, set very specific goals." Good role model: In some religions, the ethical resolution is to donate ten percent of your salary. “You can start very small, with one percent, and slowly work your way up. So giving is not impulsive, but strategic and much more effective,” says Anderson. And: every contribution, no matter how small, counts!