For centuries, spiritual leaders and philosophers have viewed generosity as the key to happiness. “There is no better exercise for the heart than saving people,” wrote John Holmes, the late poet and critic. However, the link between happiness and generosity is no longer just theory. Research at the University of Zurich offers scientific evidence that generous behavior can lead to a happier life.
In a study conducted by Ernst Fech and Philip Tobler and a team of international researchers, 50 participants were promised varying amounts of money that they would receive in the near future. The control group pledged to spend money on themselves, while other subjects chose to spend it on others.
While the subjects were making their decisions, Fech and Tobler studied activity in three parts of the brain.
Areas of the brain associated with generosity and happiness interacted more intensely in those who chose to give money to others. And this result was consistent regardless of the amount of money. It is also important to note that this activity has intensified only with the promise to give money. However, those who experienced the act of generosity also felt happier afterward.
Research shows that generosity is indeed enough to increase personal happiness, and that generosity does not need to be limited to be effective. Helping others, in whatever way, will be enough to make our tomorrow brighter.
Yai Evgeniya