Philanthropy and Well-Being

I just read the other day about some research that has come out of Simon Fraser University (Canada). It shows a direct link between philanthropy and well-being.

It measured cortisol (the stress hormone) in the bloodstream. It shows that when people give generously, the hormone dissipates more quickly in their blood. (Yes…the research shows that.)

There’s something else I always thought to be true. The study reports that the joy of helping others is an inherent part of human nature.

Earlier, there was a superb book written by Douglas Lawson. It is called Give to Live. In it, Doug makes a powerful case that people who give actually live longer. He showed the research to prove it.

Get your hands on a copy of this remarkable book. It’s a classic.

And by the way, a word of warning. Don’t tell your donors they should give to you because they are certain to live long! That may not be your best approach.