“There is no guarantee that tomorrow at this time we will be here. But still we are working for that purely on the basis of hope. So, we need to make the best use of our time. I believe that the proper utilization of time is this: if you can, serve other people, other sentient beings. If not, at least refrain from harming them. I think that is the whole basis of my philosophy.” ~ Dalai Lama, The Art of Happiness
“We make a difference to other people when we give gifts to them, when we bring emotional labor to the table and do work that matters. It’s hard for me to imagine that this way of living and working is available to only a few. Yes, the cards are unfairly stacked against too many people. Yes, there are too many barriers and not enough support. But no, your ability to create and contribute isn’t determined at birth. It’s a choice.” ~ Seth Godin, Whatcha Gonna Do With That Duck?
“First be full of love, then the sharing happens. And then the great surprise… that as you give, you start receiving from unknown sources, from unknown corners, from unknown people, from trees, from rivers, from mountains. From all nooks and corners of existence love starts showering on you. The more you give, the more you get. Life becomes a sheer dance of love.” ~ Osho, Love, Freedom, Alonenss: The Koan of Relationships
“There is always a place in the world for those who are willing to give of their time, energy, capital, creativity, and commitment.” ~ Anthony Robbins, Awaken the Giant Within
“If you’re not giving of yourself as much as you’re giving of your wallet, are you really generous down deep? We should work hard to make the Virtuous Circle of Generosity the number-one epidemic in the United States – giving of wealth, giving of self. Unstoppable and unending. ~ Dave Thomas, Wendy’s
“People give not from the top of their purses, but from the bottom of their hearts.” ~ John C. Maxwell, Today Matters
“A person’s level of income and their desire to give have nothing to do with one another.” ~ John C. Maxwell, Today Matters
“The more alive we feel, the more we can contribute to the lives of others.” ~ Ken Robinson, The Element
“When we’re always thinking about me, myself and I, we become quickly dissatisfied. Maybe it’s too much time spent with unproductive thoughts or a lack of connectedness, but this self-absorption can quickly bring us down. The surest way to stop thinking about yourself is to start thinking about someone else. When you do something for someone else—out of love, compassion or connectedness—not obligation, you might find you’ve forgotten your troubles, and life actually feels fuller, more meaningful.” ~ Meghan Camp, Tiny Buddha
“Joy arises only in creating joy for others; there is no other way. The more people you can make happy, the more you will feel happy. This is the real meaning of service.”
Osho, The Book of Understanding (page 238)