The term generosity comes from the Latin generositate, and in turn from gens meaning lineage, noble family. In ancient times, in fact, it was believed that virtues were innate endowments of people belonging to the noble classes. So, generosity pertained automatically to the nobility. The facts often proved otherwise, however. It is rather necessary to turn things around: one is not generous because of nobility; one is noble because of their generosity. This term is often associated with financial donations but, of course, it is not strictly so. Generosity stems from emotions, from feeling other people as well as animals and things as part of us. Consequently, one can be generous by being altruistic, feeling empathy, sparing no effort. We could say that a person is generous when considering others, by helping and, above all, by fostering independence. Why are we generous? Out of love for others but also to satisfy our unconscious needs. In fact, we may feel a sense of gratification in having accomplished what we think is our moral duty, or not having to feel a sense of guilt or even because we think we deserve gratitude from other people, either the ones we helped or the ones who learned about it. Other times we just don’t know how to say “no.” And who is not generous? Even in this situation, causes can vary. We may not have been educated or accustomed to certain values, or we may have been influenced by a society that often aims at self-centredness and hedonism, or we may have been disappointed or even hurt by the ingratitude shown by the person to whom we had done well, or we may have been taught to look more at our own personal needs or economic interests. It is therefore necessary to find a proper balance between the Self and the Other. Is it difficult? Yes, but not impossible!
TEST
TEST
1) In a restaurant, next to you is a middle-aged person, alone, you
a) initiate a conversation
b) think the person wants to be alone
c) will reply if the person speaks to you
2) There is confusion in the office, and you have important work to do, you
a) wait until things have calmed down before getting back to your task
b) ask for everyone to please be quiet
c) concentrate on your task and get to it
3) The main reason marriages don't work
a) the institution of marriage itself
b) the selfishness of one or both
c) communications issues
4) Gossiping about an acquaintance
a) you never do it
b) you don't want to do it, but then you do
c) it's normal to do it
5) Who says, “I go to the roots?”
a) a woodsman
b) someone who wants to discover true causes
c) a dentist
6) You packed up your suitcases, and you realized that you brought
a) anything and everything
b) only useful things
c) less than necessary
7) After an argument with a friend, you
a) call him to explain
b) wait until he calls you
c) wait and see what happens
8) In a magazine you like
a) current events
b) the horoscope
c) the scientific article
9) You know people who have different ideas than you, you
a) avoid talking to them
b) speak to them when the occasion arises
c) like to discuss with them
10) You have problems, you
a) look for help
b) tackle them
c) wait until they are over
11) Family is
a) safety
b) limitations
c) solidarity
12) To the word “band” you associate
a) a group of delinquents
b) a transmission frequency
c) a successful music group
13) You have to hire people, you
a) turn to specialized HR services
b) assess them with your colleagues
c) select them
14) To pursue a friendship, what saying is more appropriate
a) Having great friends to share your life with is a fight like no other
b) Sound agreements, long friendships
c) He who finds a friend finds a treasure
15) Holidays are to
a) rest
b) meet new people
c) have fun
SCORE
Question A B C
1) 2 1 3
2) 1 2 3
3) 1 2 3
4) 3 2 1
5) 2 3 1
6) 2 2 1
7) 3 1 2
8) 3 1 2
9) 1 2 3
10) 2 3 1
11) 2 1 3
12) 1 2 3
13) 2 3 1
14) 1 2 3
15) 1 3 2
EXPLANATIONS
FROM 45 TO 35 POINTS:
ALONE WE GO STRONGER, TOGETHER WE GO FARTHER
Helping others comes naturally to you because you have seen it done for real and not just in words or, instead, you have suffered from being told no and have promised yourself not to be like those people. It is important to you not only what you give but also how you give it. All this makes you a beautiful person, appreciated and loved by many. Be careful, though, because sometimes there are limits that cannot and should not be crossed. It is one thing to be generous; it is another to not let others take advantage of you. Look within but do not lose your generous soul.
FROM 36 TO 26 POINTS:
HE WHO FINDS A FRIEND FINDS A TREASURE; HE WHO FINDS A TREASURE FINDS 100 FRIENDS
You are indecisive and guarded; you have spurts of generosity but fear that others may take advantage of them. Generosity is also teaching others to grow, to appreciate what they have and to reciprocate it. Generosity is allowing others to become independent and teaching that they, in turn, can pass on the pleasure of helping. When good becomes reciprocal, it forms a chain that can convey well-being but most importantly, joy.
FROM 25 TO 15 POINTS:
ONE CAN BEGIN WITH A SMILE
You struggle to open up to others perhaps because you struggle to open up to yourself. Perhaps, in your past, someone mistook your generosity for a due act, and you suffered for it. Maybe you hang out with people who misjudge those who are generous, maybe you think you have nothing to give. Not opening up to others can result in more possessions and success but can lead to shutting down and isolating oneself. You can try small acts of kindness, and you may find that what you receive is greater than what you give. Why not begin?
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