More reasons to become a RAKtivist? Being kind to others also benefits the self
"Random Acts of Kindness" Day may be on a Friday this year, but the organization behind it hopes to remind you that being nice is an everyday endeavor. Of course, being kind to people regularly is simply a great thing to do. However, research shows that those who help others reap a lot of Read More...
Study: People may have become kinder during the pandemic
Earlier last year, we shared the story of Captain Tom Moore, a 99-year-old veteran whose efforts to raise millions for the UK's National Health Service made headlines around the world. While Moore’s feat to raise over £33 million was incredible by itself, the Captain’s gesture of kindness Read More...
The flip side of getting
Giving is what you do when you realize just how much you’re taking. Rabbi Rami | December 2011 Issue One way to understand the nature of giving is to talk with those whose lives are devoted to asking. Panhandlers and charity fundraisers will tell you it’s all about guilt. Prosperity preachers Read More...
The helper’s high
Why it feels so good to give. Sander van der Linden | December 2011 Issue For a significant part of human history, giving to those less fortunate has been regarded as a desirable behavior. One obvious reason, of course, is that even a small sacrifice may make a world of difference to someone else. Read More...
Beyond novels and neckties
It takes self-awareness and creativity to give presents people truly want. Why not try an intangible gift instead? Hanny Roskamp | December 2011 Issue There’s a giant vase in my living room. It is made out of magazines that are rolled up together like bamboo stalks. This is a lovely idea, and it Read More...
Reflections on the generous life
How to share the power of generosity at home, at work and around the world. Mike Dickson | December 2011 issue For 30 years, most of us in the Western world have been having a party. We have been encouraged to be self-sufficient and independent, to become successful and rich, to search for true Read More...
The goodness of crowds
When large numbers of people give a little, they accomplish a lot. Charles Best | Sept/Oct 2009 issue The global economic recession is an opportunity to fuel social change. While financial instinct says philanthropy will suffer in times of economic distress, there's evidence that the challenges we Read More...
The art of receiving
Receiving is harder than giving, but can lead to even greater personal and spiritual growth. Hilary Hart | December 2008 issue During a visit to Paris, my mother bought me a gift and dropped it in the mail. I didn’t receive it very well. I tore away the brown paper packaging and, at the first Read More...
Our lady and the juggler
Invisible gifts produce visible results. Paulo Coelho | December 2008 issue A medieval legend tells us that in the country we know today as Austria, the Burkhard family, a man, a woman and a child used to amuse people at Christmas parties by reciting poetry, singing ancient troubadour ballads and Read More...
No more charity please
Moniek Zegers says we shouldn't be giving more but taking less. Marco Visscher | December 2007 issue Charity is in. Bill Clinton has written a bestseller about it and rock stars are organizing concerts. But Moniek Zegers, co-founder of the recently launched Dutch Comité tegen Goede Doelen Gekte Read More...