The paradox of generosity

Generosity! Countless studies, analyses, and theories have explored whether people are generous or not. It’s a complex subject, shaped by a host of personal and subjective considerations that challenge us.

The Humanity Index, across recent surveys, has nevertheless confirmed three things—and quantified them:

1. Among the 14 dimensions, generosity is the one with the greatest influence on how we perceive the humanity of our society.
2. Yet, overall, we do not see ourselves as particularly generous.
3. And as proof of this, among the 14 Being Human behaviors, those directly tied to generosity (donations and commitments) are the ones where the highest percentage of people admit they could do better:
   I donate annually according to my means (57%)
   b. I support a cause, no matter how small (52%)

Getting Out of the Red Zone
The equation “more generosity = more humanity” seems simple and obvious, like 1 + 1 = 2. But somehow, the connection doesn’t happen.

Some point to individualism as a barrier to kindness—an attitude that blocks the impulse to reach out to others. Others underline our obsession with always wanting more, which leaves little, if anything, for others. Then there’s time, which always seems to slip through our fingers, weakening our ability to listen, to help, and to be attentive. Perhaps it’s also our social safety net—with holes growing ever larger—where we already contribute through high taxes, and which makes us feel exempt from doing more.

We can invoke all the reasons in the world, live in denial, tell ourselves stories, or ease our conscience, but it doesn’t change the reality. With our Humanity Index currently in the red (59.4), the fastest way to bring it back into the yellow—or even the green zone—is through our capacity to be generous. With our money, our time, our listening, and our helping hands.

Take the Being Human test and/or read the short guide:
https://humanityindex.ca/14-commitments-being-human-movement/

The full survey report can be obtained by request at [email protected]. A voluntary donation would be appreciated, and a tax receipt will be provided.
To make a donation: https://humanityindex.ca/make-a-donation/