Be charitable
Reading Time: 4 min
It can happen easily that we become obsessed with wanting more and more. Craving more pleasure or material possessions in order to sooth our longings. But we get caught up in an evil cycle. Anticipation, fulfilling this anticipation and disappointment because it doesn´t feel as good as expected. Everybody has experienced this in his life. You were expecting something or you wanted to get something but as you held it in your arms it wasn´t as fulfilling as you thought it to be. The most pleasure we experience is from anticipation not the experience itself.
In order to break this negative cycle, it is important to act selfless and give yourself to others. Charity was a core virtue throughout the centuries giving to others without receiving any compensation is an integral part of major religions like Christianity or Islam.
Being selfless promotes happiness not only in yourself but in other people around you too. It is therefore a good practice to ensure one’s own happiness and well-being.
Giving and especially giving knowledge not only has the above-mentioned positive benefits but it also doubles the overall knowledge. You won´t lose anything most of the time giving something to someone.
You may seriously impact someone’s life with giving your wisdom, money, or worn pair of shoes. Sometimes a smile is all you need to make someone´s day. Being selfless isn´t always about big contribution but to make someone´s situation better.
In the early 20th century philanthropy was somewhat of a sport among rich people. The business magnates of that era like John D. Rockefeller or Andrew Carnegie gave hundreds of millions to the public financing public education and scientific research. The rich cared about who gave more money to the public to claim moral superiority.
It is debatable whether this still serves the purpose of being selfless if you are only selfless to gain something yourself i.e. reputation. But the thing is whether you are charitable for your own personal gain or not you still give other people something valuable. They will benefit no matter your intention.
It will happen that you will need help to in the future. One day you’re the patron the next day you are the beggar. Being selfless will make other people help you more because you are a charitable person yourself.
Be selfless today and help someone.
Remember, life rewards the prepared.
