Comments on: We’re Born to Help

By: The Giver Bemoans | Small Hands, Big Ideas

The Giver Bemoans | Small Hands, Big Ideas — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:38:39 +0000

[...] tout, giving is living, because that is how I [...]

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 02:15:09 +0000

@Jodi You're right, and you totally broke it down into the why's and how's. It makes sense to help because it creates happiness for everyone and we don't help often when we are cranky. Solution!

By: jodidey

jodidey — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:21:35 +0000

I think it might depend on how much mental space we have to notice the need and be willing to sacrifice whatever other activity we would have been doing. I am much less likely to help if I am busy, stressed or cranky. Bottom line, maybe happier, more fulfilled people help more.

Interestingly, I bet the act of helping actually makes one in a better mood, shifts perspectives, and functions as a self-defining exercise (i.e. I am generous, helpful, etc). So from a utilitarian perspective, one should always help!

Great post, love!

By: Happiness Is Movie Screening | Small Hands, Big Ideas

Happiness Is Movie Screening | Small Hands, Big Ideas — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:01:11 +0000

[...] or new news to me, I still felt touched by each story and liked the (simple) conclusion of sharing, giving and community, creating more [...]

By: louboutinman

louboutinman — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:43:41 +0000

Tomasz It totally varies for everyone. When I thought about it, I was happy that I didn't have any regrets and I didn't “have” to do anything. It's a good exercise to think about…because really, we have no idea when our last day is (not to sound morbid or anything Christian Louboutin shoes look fantastic with tight-legged jeans tucked into them, or with short skirts paired with opaque tights or bare legs.

By: We Volunteer the Most In a Recession | Small Hands, Big Ideas

We Volunteer the Most In a Recession | Small Hands, Big Ideas — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:07:49 +0000

[...] write about giving, a lot. I always say, “Giving is living,” and I still like to believe (even though [...]

By: uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:49:13 +0000

Social comments and analytics for this post…

This post was mentioned on Twitter by BenjaminWilcox: Awesome post from @gracekboyle: We’re Born to Help: http://bit.ly/6jrLx5...

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 04:12:35 +0000

@Jenny I love the thoughts you've provided here, especially with your coaching expertise. I was telling @David that so what if our motives might be slightly selfish because there's a level of altruism and in the end, someone is being helped or gaining from it. Also, thanks for that article, I love it!

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:12:35 +0000

By: jennyblake

jennyblake — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:29:35 +0000

Great post, Grace! Here's my take (and something I've learned through coaching): similar to the research you reference, most functional human beings (ie not sociopaths) - at their deepest levels are fulfilled by helping others in some way - by being of service. Some people take this literally - volunteering. But for most of us, helping and being of service can mean anything that involves using our unique gifts and talents. It feels good to help people. To contribute in ways that we are uniquely suited for.

Yes, on one level we selfishly feel good about helping others. It's an ego boost - proves to ourselves that we are a "good person" (for a GREAT article on the selfish/narcissistic aspects of giving/social movements see On Conspicious Compassion).

At the end of the day - if helping others is selfish AND altruistic - who cares? In that case, everybody wins. And may the planet be a better place for it.