“The only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” (Albert Schweitzer)
It’s a profound observation from a man who dedicated his life to medicine, philosophy and humanitarian work. Long before researchers began studying the relationship between generosity and wellbeing, some of history’s greatest thinkers understood that human fulfilment comes not only from achievement and personal progress, but also from feeling connected to something beyond ourselves.
For most of our lives, we are taught to think of investment in terms of accumulation. We save diligently, invest carefully and make decisions today in the hope that our future selves will enjoy greater security, freedom and choice. There is wisdom in this approach, and it remains the foundation of responsible financial planning.
Yet there is another form of investment that has fascinated philosophers, psychologists and social scientists for centuries. One where the return is not measured in percentages, market movements or portfolio values, but in a deeper sense of purpose, connection and personal fulfilment.
That investment is generosity.
Hedonic adaptation and the “new normal”
There’s no denying the importance of financial security. Money can remove many of life’s practical burdens, provide independence and open doors that may otherwise remain closed.
However, most people who have experienced an improvement in their circumstances recognise how quickly a new level of comfort can become familiar. The cavernous mansion eventually feels like home. The sparkling Lamborghini becomes simply the car you drive every day. The purchase that once represented a milestone quietly becomes part of ordinary life.
Psychologists refer to this phenomenon as hedonic adaptation: our remarkable ability to become accustomed to improved circumstances and establish a new normal.
Giving typically follows a different emotional pattern. Whether it’s helping a student access an education, sharing expertise with a young entrepreneur, supporting an environmental initiative, or offering time to someone who needs it, generosity creates a connection between our resources and another person’s possibilities.
It reminds us that some of our greatest assets are not those we keep, but those we use to create opportunities for others.
A human trait, not a wealth category
One of the greatest misconceptions about charitable giving is that it is reserved for those with extraordinary financial means.
In reality, generosity has always taken many different forms. A student may have little money to give but they can still offer time, enthusiasm and energy. A professional may open doors for somebody beginning their career. Parents may involve children in choosing a cause to support, teaching lessons about empathy and responsibility that will shape their values for decades.
Later in life, many people discover that their most valuable asset is not necessarily the wealth they have accumulated, but the wisdom they have gained. Years of experience, mistakes, resilience and professional knowledge can become an extraordinary gift when shared with younger generations, entrepreneurs or community organisations.
The returns that don’t appear on a statement
The rewards that come from being generous may never be reflected in a financial statement, but they are often felt just as deeply by the person who gives as by the person who receives.
A simple act of generosity can spark a chain reaction whose effects travel far from where it began. A scholarship can change the future of a young person who may one day be a mentor or benefactor to someone else. Sometimes a conversation can give someone the confidence to pursue an opportunity they would otherwise have passed up. A community project can create opportunities for people who may never know the name of the person who started the project.
The most remarkable aspect of generosity is that we rarely get to see the full story of what we began. A portfolio statement can tell us exactly what our investments have earned. It cannot tell us how many lives were changed because we chose to share something of ourselves.
Perhaps that’s why generosity is one of the most extraordinary investments you can make on this earth. You may never see the returns on a balance sheet, but they have a way of enriching both the receiver and the giver.
We’d love to chat about how you can incorporate giving in your financial plan.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact us for specific and detailed advice.
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