The Science of Generosity
In this week of Stewardship Commitment, we’re invited to reflect on the science of generosity and its profound impacts—not just for the recipient, but for the giver as well. While many might think of generosity solely as a virtue or moral duty, research has uncovered its deep evolutionary, psychological, and social roots, proving that it brings measurable benefits to our well-being and community life.
The Biological Drive for Generosity
Human beings, and even other animals, have evolved to be generous. We see acts of generosity in species as varied as birds, bees, and even bats. For humans, this inclination is built into our biology. Studies show that acting generously activates the same reward pathways in the brain as those triggered by eating or other pleasurable activities (Allen, 2018). This is why giving feels good—it’s wired into us as an evolutionary advantage that has helped human societies thrive by encouraging cooperation and mutual care.
When we give generously, these positive feelings are part of a broader psychological and social benefit. Neuroscientific studies reveal that certain brain regions light up during acts of generosity, reinforcing the behavior with feelings of joy and satisfaction (Allen, 2018). This is a beautiful reflection of how God has designed us to reflect him—to be generous, not just out of obligation but because it fulfills us in profound ways.
The Psychological Benefits of Generosity
Beyond the feel-good reward, generosity has powerful psychological effects. Many studies have found that people who regularly give to others, whether through volunteering or donations, report higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and even longevity (Allen, 2018). In fact, some research suggests that giving to others may reduce stress and even lower the risk of health issues like heart disease.
One striking study discovered that people who spent money on others experienced greater happiness than those who spent money on themselves (Allen, 2018). This reinforces what many of us intuitively know: the joy of giving is often greater than the joy of receiving. In the context of our parish, this means that when we commit to stewardship, we are not only supporting the Church's mission but also tapping into a wellspring of personal fulfillment and well-being.
A Call to Commit
This Stewardship Commitment Week, we ask each of you to consider making a pledge for 2025, especially if you haven’t yet given. The science of generosity tells us that giving freely and abundantly isn’t just good for others—it’s good for you, too. There’s an experience of joy, satisfaction, and even health benefits from aligning yourself with this natural, God-given impulse to be generous.
Your pledge, no matter the amount, will make a difference! Make a pledge today!
Citation
Allen, S. (2018). The science of generosity. Greater Good Science Center, University of California, Berkeley.