Generosity Is Paradoxical (Part 2)

In recent years, I (Smith) have been leading a study called the “Science of Generosity Initiative” at the University of Notre Dame, in which I (Davidson) have been deeply involved. In that study, we have been conducting a nationally representative survey of Americans’ practices and beliefs about generosity, hundreds of interviews with Americans around the country on generosity, and participant-observation studies of local religious congregations.

…What we have learned is the following. First, the more generous Americans are, the more happiness, health, and purpose in life they enjoy.…