What We Give Away Says the Most About Us

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There are moments when a simple thought turns into a larger question. This one does for me: What do we enjoy doing so much that we would do it for free? What are the actions that add genuine value and quiet joy to someone else’s life—and still leave us feeling fulfilled? Kindness isn’t always grand or complicated. Often, it’s the small things we choose to do without expecting anything in return. Those moments reveal something true about who we are.

Albert Schweitzer captured this perfectly:
“Do something for those who need a man’s help—something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.”

There’s a certain freedom in giving like that. No scoreboard. No transaction. Just the privilege of being useful, present, and human. And when you think about the times you’ve helped someone—really helped them—you realize the satisfaction comes from the act itself, not from being recognized for it.

Winston Churchill echoed that same truth when he said:
“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”

There’s an entire philosophy hidden inside that line. Our income shapes our days, but our generosity shapes our meaning. The older we get, the more obvious it becomes that the moments we remember most are the ones when we extended ourselves—when we stepped in, stepped up, or simply showed up for someone.

Kindness doesn’t demand perfection or wealth or even extra time. It asks for awareness. It asks for a willingness to notice when someone needs something we can offer: a steady hand, a word of encouragement, an act of patience, a gesture of respect. And sometimes the most powerful acts of kindness go unseen. No one applauds them. No one posts about them. But they still shape who we become.

The heart of “doing good” is realizing that we don’t need a reason to help. We just need the intention. And maybe that’s the quiet challenge for all of us: to find those things we gladly give away, and to do them more often—because they build not just a better world, but a better version of ourselves.

Why Doing Good Still Matters

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“Do something for those who need a man’s help—something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.”
—Albert Schweitzer

“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”
—Winston Churchill

These words have stayed with me for years. They point toward a simple truth: the things that matter most are rarely the things we’re paid for. They’re the quiet gestures we offer freely—the help no one sees, the encouragement no one asks for, the kindness that expects nothing in return.

Those quotes still raise an important question:

What do we enjoy doing so much that we would do it for free?
And how often does that same thing bring joy, confidence, or comfort to someone else?

When we find those moments—where what we love intersects with what others need—we discover a kind of purpose that isn’t tied to achievement or recognition. It’s tied to being useful, present, and human.

Sometimes doing good doesn’t require a grand plan; it just requires noticing where you can add something meaningful.

Doing Good is Important and it Connects Us →

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Religion involves an individual's devotion or passion for something humans consider essential. Abraham Lincoln believed that performing good deeds was significant enough to be deemed the most important pursuit. Some individuals may perform good deeds because they think it is expected of them by their God, while others may consider it their religious duty. Lincoln's statement indicates that performing good acts is of paramount significance.

Performing good deeds encompasses acts of kindness and actions that benefit others, focusing on the well-being of people beyond oneself. On the other hand, performing well involves achieving a state of balance, reaching personal objectives, and attaining worldly happiness. However, an individual doing well may only perform a few good deeds.

Kindness plays a vital role in connecting individuals with others. It is essential to be kind to others as it helps meet their needs, strengthens existing connections, and creates new ones. For example, the person sitting next to you may be facing challenges you are unaware of. Our experiences and struggles teach us how difficult life can be. They also instill a sense of compassion and empathy within us, prompting us to be kind to others.

The Power of Kindness: Why It's Important to Show Empathy and Compassion →

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Kindness is an essential quality that we should all strive to cultivate. It allows us to respond to the challenges that others face, even when we may not be aware of the difficulties they are going through. When we show kindness and empathy, we establish meaningful connections with those around us, which can be especially important during difficult times.

In addition, being kind to others can also positively affect us, helping us shift our focus away from our problems and assist in personal growth.

We can develop positive relationships with acquaintances, loved ones, and strangers by demonstrating kindness and empathy. This is because kindness fosters empathy, compassion, and appreciation, which can enhance our relationships with others. In turn, this connection can help combat feelings of loneliness, common symptoms of depression.

Ultimately, kindness is about doing the right thing and having the bravery to do it. It requires us to be thoughtful, considerate, and compassionate, even when it may be difficult. However, the benefits of kindness are undeniable, both for those around us and for ourselves. So let's spread kindness wherever we go, and make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.

It is a privilege to be able to help others because it makes a difference →

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“Do something for those who need a man’s help – Something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.”

Albert Schweitzer

“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”

Winston Churchill

These thoughts cause me to think of another question. What do we enjoy doing so much that we would do for free? How many things add value and joy to others and satisfy us?