Heavyweight How to Experience the Joy of Giving Right Now: A Giving Tuesday Special from The Happiness Lab
Dec 2, 2025
Tim Harford, a journalist and economist, shares a touching story about receiving unexpected kindness in Cameroon, highlighting the power of trust in altruism. Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist, discusses how a peer's support during her childhood bullying shaped her resilience and emphasizes the ripple effects of moral elevation. Both guests illustrate that small acts of kindness not only change lives but also greatly enhance personal happiness, making a compelling case for the joy of giving.
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Giving Amplifies Giver Happiness
- Giving to others reliably boosts the giver's happiness, often more than receiving material gifts.
- Large impact can come from many small donations pooled together to fund life-changing aid.
Passport Returned By Strangers
- Tim Harford recounted losing his passport in Cameroon and strangers returning it without seeking reward.
- Their unexpected kindness contradicted his distrust and reshaped his view of people there.
A Puppy That Healed A Veteran
- J.R. Martinez described being gifted a puppy at a veteran charity auction that became his emotional support and companion.
- The dog's companionship profoundly aided his recovery and left J.R. feeling forever indebted to the givers.
