Risky Business with Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova 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 moving tale of altruism when strangers return his lost passport in Cameroon. J.R. Martinez, an actor and Army veteran, discusses the transformative impact of receiving a service puppy that aided his healing journey. Dr. Maya Shunker, a psychologist, reflects on childhood bullying and the powerful, lasting effects of peer kindness. Together, they highlight how acts of giving — both big and small — can boost happiness and foster community, encouraging listeners to embrace generosity.
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Giving Boosts Giver And Recipient
- Giving to others reliably boosts the giver's happiness and creates ripple effects beyond the initial gift.
- GiveDirectly's cash transfers show small donations can enable life-changing outcomes for recipients.
Passport Returned By Strangers
- Tim Harford lost his passport in Cameroon and strangers rode miles to return it without asking for a tip.
- Their unexpected kindness contradicted his distrust and reshaped his view of strangers.
Cash Respects Recipients' Knowledge
- Economists' standard models ignore altruism but can easily accommodate preferences tied to others' welfare.
- Trusting recipients with cash leverages their knowledge and yields better outcomes than paternalistic control.
