Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford How to Experience the Joy of Giving Right Now: A Giving Tuesday Special from The Happiness Lab
21 snips
Dec 2, 2025 
Tim Harford, a journalist and economist, shares a heartwarming tale of kindness from Cameroon, challenging his own mistrust of strangers. Psychologist Maya Shankar recalls how childhood bullying led her to appreciate acts of kindness that defined her path. They discuss the profound impact of giving on personal happiness and the collective fight against poverty, illustrating how even small acts, like giving a dollar, can change lives. Tune in for inspiring stories that emphasize the joy of generosity.
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Giving Tuesday Reframes Holiday Priorities
- Giving Tuesday reframes holiday season priorities from consumption to compassion and collective impact.
- Small donations pooled together can lift entire communities out of extreme poverty via GiveDirectly.
Passport Returned By Strangers In Cameroon
- Tim Harford recounts losing his passport in Cameroon and strangers returning it without asking for reward.
- Their unexpected kindness shattered his suspicions about strangers in a corrupt-rated country.
Economics Can Explain Altruism
- Classical economics can accommodate altruism by modeling preferences that include others' happiness.
- We underestimate everyday kindness because simplified models often ignore altruistic motives.
