The law of diminishing returns states that there is always a point at which putting in more of something will yield smaller and less beneficial results. The theory applies to everything from how many hours an employee works a week to how much junk food one can eat in a sitting. Thankfully, this principle doesn’t apply to giving, because as we all know, giving is literally the gift that keeps on, well, giving.
When we place ourselves in a position of service, we feel more poised to give again, and the cycle continues on. Generosity has been shown to be a necessary component of a meaningful life, and is linked to feelings of fulfillment and gratitude, as well as compassion and grace — and not just toward others, but toward ourselves, too. As the Dalai Lama put it, “Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness.”
In addition to its emotional benefits, giving also has some rather unexpected physical perks. The act of giving has been linked to everything from lower blood pressure to lower stress levels, which can lead to a longer life. Giving — whether it be leaving a small note for a loved one, being of service to a neighbor, or donating to a charity — causes us to step outside of our own troubles and think about the bigger picture and how we fit into it. As such, giving is an important way to better society while also tapping into our own best selves. Below, we’ve rounded up 13 quotes that remind us about the benefits of giving, and how the world can be a better place if we all operate from a space of generosity and abundance.
When you learn, teach. When you get, give.Maya Angelou
To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.Abraham Lincoln
The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.Pablo Picasso
We must give more in order to get more. It is the generous giving of ourselves that produces the generous harvest.Orison Swett Marden, author
A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.Steve Maraboli, military veteran and motivational speaker
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.Kahlil Gibran, writer and artist
There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.John Holmes, military veteran and author
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.Lao Tzu
It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.Mother Teresa
Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.Eleanor Roosevelt
Giving is the master key to success, in all applications of human life.Bryant McGill, activist and motivational speaker
Giving opens the way for receiving.Florence Scovel Shinn, artist
No one has ever become poor by giving.Anne Frank
Photo credit: BrendaLawlor/ iStock
