People who make a remarkable difference in the world are typically those who examine conventional wisdom with a critical eye, using “uncommon sense.”

Common Sense: It’s better to give than to receive.
Uncommon Sense: It’s better to give than to give back.

True generosity involves giving, not just giving back. It means giving with no expectation of repayment. Giving back is a zero-sum equation: We give back what we received and the world is not better off than it was before we received it. True giving means the world is improved by the sum of our giving. It is better off because we are here.

People who view their stewardship in a role of giving back miss the point. To be significant in your world we must focus on giving, period. Not giving back. Not giving as a payment. Just giving because there’s a need we can fill and we want to fill it.

“Always give without remembering. Always receive without forgetting,” said William Barclay, the Scottish theologian.

That’s a wonderful idea.

Giving rewards the giver much more than giving back. The most gratifying reward comes when we give not because we have to, not because someone asks us to, not because we owe it, but rather out of hearts filled with gratitude.

People whose hearts are full of gratitude tend to be more positive, generous, and innovative. They also tend to be easier to get along with – and therefore, more successful and influential.

Unconditional giving is like parental living at its best. Good parents don’t love their children because the children love them first. They don’t love “love back” their children. They love their children – period – even though the children at times may seem unlovable.

The good news is that we don’t have to give our fortunes to give generously. Giving back is not, in itself, a bad thing. But when we graduate from giving back to just giving, we arrive at the zenith of true pleasure.

Go there and see for yourself – contribute now to CWVC.

Source Credit: An excerpt from the book “Uncommon Sense” by Dr. Nido Qubein