Let me make a prediction about the future. The future will be profoundly human, or not at all. That isn’t a dark prediction. It is simply an observation. If we do not learn to ennoble each other there will be no future. It is our humanity that will change the world next: our generosity, our compassion, our love, patience, discipline, gentleness, forgiveness, empathy, and friendship. Not technology or politics or even education.
We cannot go on debasing ourselves and each other, so often, and in so many ways, and not expect catastrophic destruction.
It’s time to get in touch with the best parts of our humanity. Generosity is beautifully human. It is at the core of our humanity. It is uniquely human and, at the same time, a reflection of the Divine. Every act of generosity ennobles everyone involved, and each act of generosity changes the course of someone’s life, and therefore, the unfolding of human history.
It’s time to embrace the power and nobility of generosity and go out and change the world!
Now, here is today’s generosity habit.
Be generous with your time. When you are with people, pay attention to their desire to continue the conversation or draw the conversation to an end. People often have one more thing they would like to discuss, but they are hesitant to raise it. It is sometimes the most important matter. Choose a situation, meeting, or conversation today and be lavish with your time. Listen deeply to people. Set aside your thoughts, ideas, and agenda, and really listen to what the other person is saying to you. Listening is the most important communication skill. More than 45% of our time communicating is spent listening. 9% writing. 16% percent reading. 30% percent speaking. Most people wish the people close to them were better listeners, so become a generous listener.
Matthew Kelly
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