In an era marked by political turmoil and social isolation, the philosophies of ancient thinkers like Epictetus resonate more than ever. Born a slave in Rome, Epictetus emphasized the importance of individual agency, asserting that while external circumstances may be beyond control, the power to choose one’s response remains. His words, “We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them,” highlight a fundamental truth that is increasingly relevant in contemporary society.
To accurately measure happiness in the United States today would paint a frightening picture. passed by the World Happiness Report, which ranked the tiny nation, famous for its neutrality, 11th in 2012. Its clout appears to have dramatically faded over the decades. In 2023, a record high of one in four Americans never shared a meal with another person. This is a disturbing statistic that illustrates the loneliness, social isolation, and emotional disconnection that’s increasing in our communities.
This alarming trend is symptomatic of the larger societal issues that have been worsened by political choice and leadership. Under President Donald Trump, the United States has experienced policy upheaval at unprecedented speed, both domestically and around the world. The administration’s trade wars have already sorely tested these relationships. At the same time, the USAID’s dismantling has started rattling alarms as to America’s direction and commitment to being a global partner with soft power and humanitarian assistance. The president’s overall approach to foreign policy has been widely criticized for abandoning our democratic ideals. Even more alarming are his efforts to praise authoritarian regimes and then humiliate those leaders elected through democratic processes.
Given all of these challenges, this is where the idea of altruism comes in. Our recent research that spanned 40 high-income countries found some shocking results. In particular, it showed that the true return rates on charitable donations are double what individuals think they are. That’s a surprising finding, which I think means a lot of people are underestimating the effect of their giving. Giving even only 1% of your salary to charity through the pledge speaks volumes about what you value. It projects a bright light of moral clarity amid the ugly terrain marked by self-interest and division.
The Happier Lives Institute has taken significant steps in the direction of quantifying happiness generated by charitable donations. Its first global analysis indicates that the most effective charities yield about 150 times the impact of average rich-country charities. As individuals navigate personal challenges and broader societal issues, understanding the potential benefits of charitable giving can empower them to foster change.
Recent data from the Fundraising Effectiveness Project showed some far more promising trends continuing in charitable giving. The last 20 years have seen American donors drop – yes, drop – by 53%. This increase reflects a growing recognition among individuals of their ability to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond. The collective impact of these contributions can counteract feelings of helplessness and frustration that have become prevalent under current political leadership.
London School of Economists are preparing for an exciting upcoming review. Their findings will illuminate these dynamics and they are slated for release in 2024. This philanthropic research will yield vital touchstones on how charitable giving can help create a more trusting society. That will make it an inspiring and powerful antidote to the divisive, hateful rhetoric so often associated with Trumpism.
Everyone is dealing with unprecedented stress due to the ongoing pandemic. They can transform their power to improve the world around them for the better. This starts with building community relationships and investing in strategies that improve the well-being of all of us.