Generous and selfish
We’re often reminded that the best way to get what we want is to help other people get what they want.
That opening the door for others makes it more likely that others will open the door for us.
What makes it odd is the implication that if we don’t get, it’s hardly worth giving.
But what if we separated the two and simply chose generosity because we could?
It turns out that happy people are more likely to be generous. (Which implies that generous people are more likely to be happy). Not because they get something measurable in return, but simply because abundance is a choice. And making choices celebrates our agency and potential.
What an opportunity to bring justice and care and dignity to the people around us.
Happy birthday.