The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos How to Experience the Joy of Giving Right Now
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Dec 2, 2025 
In this uplifting discussion, Tim Harford, a journalist and economist, shares a touching story of unexpected kindness experienced while traveling in Cameroon. J.R. Martinez, an Army veteran and actor, reveals how a gifted puppy played a crucial role in his healing journey. Psychologist Maya Shankar reflects on her personal growth through acts of kindness, highlighting the concept of moral elevation. The conversation illuminates how simple acts of giving can not only change lives but also enhance our own happiness.
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Giving Multiplies Happiness
- Giving to others reliably boosts the giver's happiness as well as recipients' lives.
- Small donations pooled can fund major impacts like lifting villages out of extreme poverty.
Passport Returned By Strangers
- Tim Harford lost his passport in Cameroon and locals chased him down to return it without asking for payment.
- Their unexpected kindness shattered his mistrust and reframed his view of strangers.
A Puppy That Healed
- J.R. Martinez received a puppy at a charity auction when a couple gifted it to him instead of taking it home.
- The dog became a vital companion that helped him heal after his injuries.
