Ampersand Answers: Civilization

The true civilization is where every man gives to every other every right that he claims for himself.

Robert Green Ingersoll, lawyer and orator (11 Aug 1833-1899) 

The Question: 

How can I learn to be more generous? 

&mpersand Answers: 

I was tempted to change the word man to woman, but I desisted. This time. The sentiment is true for all of humankind no matter their gender identity. 

Generosity is really at the core of Attorney Ingersoll’s statement, but if you’ll think about it, generosity isn’t only centered here. It’s the core of most religious practice, genuine diplomatic practice, all democratic practice, and even, most relationships. 

Without generosity, we truly do live in poverty and scarcity—not neighborhoods that are desirous in any way. 

So how do you learn to be generous? First, you learn to be compassionate with yourself. Maybe you “should have known better,” but even if you did, you didn’t behave that way. So? Lighten up. Humans make mistakes. In fact, often we learn more from our mistakes than our successes. Just sayin’. 

Second, toss that compassion liberally into EVERY situation. Give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Want for them what you want for yourself. Every self-respecting metaphysician knows that what they withhold from others, they cannot manifest for themselves. 

Do you want to be treated generously? (And I’m assuming your answer is yes.) Great, hand it out like it’s lollilops, and it will come back to you in ways you can’t even begin to imagine.  

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