What’s the One Thing?

That Key to all of Life

What’s the answer to life? I mean, come on, can’t we simplify this whole quest for meaning around one succinct, easy-to-do quick fix?

I’ve pondered this question for some time and concluded that the answer is yes. Yes, there is one answer to all of life’s burning questions. It’s been sitting right in front of us for our whole lives. It’s both profound and simple. It’s also actionable.

The answer to life is “Be Generous.”

Be generous with your time, money, love, and affirmations.

“Perhaps the simplest, most powerful moral question is this: Am I a net giver or a net taker?” writes Chris Anderson, CEO of the famous TED talks, in his new book Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading. Engaging in some self-reflection around his question, am I a net giver or a net taker, as Measured by the people we’ve hurt versus the people we’ve helped, the resources we’ve consumed versus those we’ve protected, the ugliness versus the beauty.

There is nothing that catches people’s attention more than generosity, as expressed in human actions. Don’t we all love a good listener? You know the person who will be generous with their attention, time, and energy, and give it all to us. Is not this the most majestic experience? I’d go further and suggest it might even border on the mystical. Why? Because the encounter transforms people.

“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” Luke 6:35-36 the Message

Or, if you prefer a more traditional translation

If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated. Luke 6:36 CEV

Beyond Jesus' teachings, almost all other religions espouse the beauty, nobility, and benefits of generosity. Islam emphasizes the concept of Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims are required to give a portion of their wealth (usually 2.5%) to help the less fortunate and support various social welfare initiatives. In addition to Zakat, Muslims are encouraged to engage in voluntary acts of charity, known as Sadaqah, to express generosity and kindness. Dana, or the act of giving, is a fundamental virtue in Hinduism. It is believed that selfless giving contributes to spiritual growth. Hindus are encouraged to give to those in need, including food, shelter, and education. Like Hinduism, Buddhism places importance on the practice of Dana, or generosity. Buddhists believe that generosity helps break the cycle of craving and attachment and leads to a compassionate and selfless life.

Generosity plays a vital role in the social fabric of communities, economics, and nations. One might even suggest it serves as the glue for the whole world. Researcher Cathryn Townsend

The Human Generosity Project explores how societies improve their collective well-being.  “In certain communities, giving to those in need, with no expectation of return, is normalized and expected. The project researchers have found such behavior around the world, including among herders and hunter-gatherers in East Africa. And findings thus far suggest that such generous societies are more likely to survive during difficult times.” According to an article in Scientific American.

Not only do collective societies benefit from generosity, but individuals do as well.  

Generosity—the quality of being kind and understanding, the willingness to give others things that have value—is often defined as an act of selflessness; however, studies are now showing that generosity is actually (selfishly) in one's best interest. Practicing generosity is a mental health principle that could be the key to a meaningful and healthy life.

That statement seems to fly in the face of decades of research and conventional wisdom—equating “human nature” with selfishness and aggression. Yet, a more complex and nuanced understanding of human nature has emerged in recent years. While studies no doubt suggest that humans have a propensity for self-interest—and these studies have drawn understandable attention—research has revealed that currents of generosity also run deep through us, according to a white paper at the Templeton Foundation. “Generosity comes in many forms, from charitable donations to formal volunteering to helping a stranger to care for a spouse or a child. What these and other examples have in common is that they involve “giving good things to others freely and abundantly.”

The Dalai Lama famously said, “if you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

Extending compassionate generosity improves the world and enriches our experience of life. Feeling down? Give something away—time, Attention, energy, or resources.

“That I feed the hungry, forgive an insult, and love my enemy – these are great virtues. But what if I should discover that the poorest of beggars and most impudent of offenders are all within me, and that I stand in need of all the alms of my own kindness; that I myself am the enemy who must be loved – what then?”

— Carl G. Jung

James Hazelwood, writer, bishop, and spiritual director, is the author of Weird Wisdom for the Second Half of Life and Everyday Spirituality: Discover a Life of Hope, Peace, and Meaning. He has a new book, Ordinary Mysteries: Reflections on Faith, Doubt & Meaning. It is due out on April 30, 2024. His website is www.jameshazelwood.net