People might be inclined to forget that the root word of "generosity" is the same as "generative"; both suggest the idea of an unlimited creative force that gives for the sake of giving. It reminds me of one year (2009, I think it was) when I decided to "say yes" to any request that someone made to me as a volunteer or in terms of helping out with something that needs doing. I don't regret making that vow, even though it often left me feeling tired. It goes to show you that when your heart and mind are open to trying new things and contributing one's abilities to others' lives, there is never an and to what "needs" doing. But note the quotation marks, because "need" is a relative thing. We give according to what's appropriate given our skill sets, time and other investments, not out of a dire need.
I think it's important not to set up the trap of wondering why we give. The more one goes into their motivations for doing anything and whether it's "pure" or "impure", the more self-absorbed the entire project of giving can become. At the end of the day, one's motivation is not so important as the process of lessening ego attachment. Even if I am contributing to a famous charity with the aim of garnering personal attention, this form of generosity eventually becomes a way for me to learn that giving with self-regard is a source of tremendous suffering. There is simply nothing to prove when giving because giving never ends. Why should I count it as part of my "value" that I gave something today? Tomorrow will be a different set of requirements.
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