Here is a Human Generosity Scale I’ve been considering for some time. It’s still in a draft form, but I thought I’d share this version:
The model posits that there are 2 types of people who are unwilling to give – the Consciously Ungenerous and the Unconsciously Ungenerous.
The difference is that the Consciously Ungenerous are those who see the need, believe they should give, but decide not to nonetheless. The Unconsciously Ungenerous are those who see the need but simply do not believe or do not understand that they should give. To better imagine the Unconsciously Ungenerous, think of younger people who, from a human development standpoint, may not embrace their responsibility to give just yet.
The Begrudgingly Generous will give, but only when the pressure (usually social) is too great to decline.
The Frugally Generous will give of their own will, but will only make modest, token gifts, far below their financial capacity.
The Selfishly Generous will give, at times significantly, and will want some sort of public recognition or accolades for their support.
Like the Selfishly Generous, the Pro bono Generous will give at times significantly as well. They will not, however, be motivated to give because of any pubic recognition they may receive. In fact, they may eschew recognition.
And, finally, the Transcendentally Generous also will give significantly and will not be motivated to give because of public recognition. The fundamental difference between the Pro bono Generous and the Transcendentally Generous is that the latter willingly give without restrictions. Think MacKenzie Scott.
The Transcendentally Generous typically view giving as a spiritual exercise. Giving is not about them, the gift, or even the recipient. Giving is about learning to experience joy from sharing valuable assets with others in ways that most dignify them.
Many assume our role to ask others for money, or to raise money for our institutions.
But, how might we change our approach if we viewed our fundamental role as helping others get closer to becoming Transcendentally Generous?
This article was originally posted on Jason’s Blog in May 2023. To read more, visit www.jasonmcneal.com.
