Generosity the quality of being kind and generous, also called largess or kindness is the virtue of being liberal in giving, often as gifts. Generosity is regarded as a virtue by various world religions, Ideologies and scholars and is often celebrated in cultural and religious ceremonies. Scientific investigation into generosity has examined the effect of a number of scenarios and games on individuals’ generosity, and potential links with neurochemicals such as oxytocin, and relationship with similar feelings, such as that of empathy.
In this article, we will analyze the psychological benefits of generosity. We are increasingly seeing more positive consequences of this attitude of surrender that expects no return. In recent years there have been studies with data that support the benefits of practicing generosity. Some humanist-existentialist writers, especially Erich Fromm and Vikor Frankl, emphasize ethical values and love in their different variants. In this sense, Fromm states that ethical values and love constitute a source of psychological well-being and a characteristic of emotionally healthy people.
Generosity and gratitude are two important concepts that denote the excellence of personal character. Moreover, in a way, they are complementary. The relationship between these two concepts begins with an affective process of “giving” material good, advice, or helping another without expecting reciprocity; Generosity is a pro-social behavior that provides welfare to the other (benefited) person.
Maslow, speaks of the “generous nature” of the human being as opposed to selfishness. He argues that there is a relationship between generous behavior and psychological health, since generous behavior comes from ‘abundance’ and ‘inner wealth’. On the other hand, selfish behavior is a phenomenon of inner poverty, typical of neurotic people. The concept of gratitude from a psychological perspective. From an ethical point of view, gratitude is defined as a moral virtue that as such denotes good behavior.
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However, the definition, as moral behavior, obliges to thank for impersonal mandates the benefits received. Recognizing and appreciating the person who offered us help does not mean that we are indebted to him/her. While many have suggested that gratitude and debt are equivalent, they are essentially different. Debt obliges the indebted person to make a payment to the lender. It is important to point out that the action of the lender must necessarily be generous, not behavior aimed at offering a benefit in search of a reward. The generous act cannot have selfish purposes. Generosity is a gift that everyone can give to themselves. There is nothing better to feel good about.
Is generosity an indicator of mental health?
Generosity has been studied especially in the context of the scientific pursuit of the origin of altruism. In addition, several empirical studies currently estimate it to be a good indicator of mental health. The feeling of community also lies in the basis of psychological well-being, which is why its absence is an indicator of poor psychological adjustment and mental disorder.
When the child cannot develop a certain degree of community feeling – as a result, for example, of an overly authoritarian or permissive upbringing, among other factors – feelings of non-belonging, inadequacy, inferiority, and the famous inferiority complex arise. .These feelings of inferiority are hard to tolerate. The usual tendency, therefore, is to compensate them with what Adler calls the “craving for superiority” or “the craving for power,” which, according to Adlerian psychology, would underlie any psychological disorder.
The individual with feelings of inferiority – and therefore with a sense of poor community – would develop what Adler calls “neurotic disposition.” The manifestations, which today would be more precisely defined in neuroticism – as personality trait – and in psychosomatic disorders and personality disorders. From this supposed inferiority, a distortion of emotional life is born: the neurotic is no longer able to relate to others in a natural, spontaneous way. On the contrary: to compensate for his feeling of inferiority, he tries to achieve triumphs constantly. When this disposition is accentuated or psychosocial problems converge, character deformities such as greed, grudge, malice, cruelty, etc. may arise. All this to escape the unbearable feeling of feeling inferior or slighted.
At last let’s come up and say there is nothing interesting and peace giving than generosity. Be kind to all and help everyone with the kindness that the Almighty (super power swt) has endowed you with at the time of your birth. Let’s make this world a good place for living by helping others who are in trouble and are waiting for your help. When fear keeps you from pursuing, strengthen your faith and hold the rope of faith and believe only upon Allah SWT , for He SWT is always there to accompany you and help you.
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