Some of you may have already heard of Generation G, some may have not. In simplicity, Generation G does not concern your age, but rather the affluenza the majority of us have. It is the repulsion at the corporate and political greed that has plummeted much of the world into economic doldrums. ~ Trendwatching. In short, Generation G is about generosity, rather than greed.

Generation G is all about the growing importance of generosity and how it is lacking in this day and age. It is nothing new as some people are quite generous already.

However, I feel the majority of us, if not all of us, could do more.

There have been many acts of philanthropy, but this act immediately rules out a heck of a lot of people. Not to mention in difficult times such as these, philanthropy is seen less, as everyone is trying to save what they can.

Generous behaviour does not rely on the economy and it certainly doesn’t cost as much.

Depending on your perception, generosity (yes, you’re going to hear a lot of that), can mean and be anything. In this context, it is not giving that ultimately counts. We can all give a few pennies here and there any day. No, this is about changing our attitudes and our way of thinking for the rest of our lives and hopefully for our children’s lives, for our friend’s lives, and for everyone else in this world.


It is every man's obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it. ~ Albert Einstein


A classic example is Tim Thomas from Seven Pounds, portrayed by Will Smith. Although fictional, the concept is there. Tim helps 7 people by donating his organs and by giving people his time, effort and support.

He only did this through having caused and survived a car crash where seven people died.

~ProfessorPhenom once said: “The sense of urgency doesn't usually hit people until the problem pertains to them. People will only start to act when it gets to the point that the government or whoever is in charge has to say "Start cleaning up your act or you will die and your kids will die and everybody's kids will die. The world will no longer be able to support life in two years if things don't change. So if you really want people to act and show a real concern for the way our planet is being abused then you have to make it really real for them, NOW. "

However, I have faith that we can all be as generous as Tim by wanting to be generous. We don’t need to go through something as emotional as Tim to change. We can be generous because we can.


A boy doesn't have to go to war to be a hero; he can say he doesn't like pie when he sees there isn't enough to go around. ~ Edward W. Howe


There are a number of different, easy methods you can apply to your daily life for generosity:

Co-donate or general donating can still make a difference if you have the opportunity to donate something, whether it is clothes, money or things you don’t need or want.

We can be generous to our environment by lowering our carbon footprint.

Free love is available in all sorts of places, as you can give, share and collaborate out of the generosity of your heart because you can.

And last but not least, random acts of kindness, which is seen so often here on dA. Why not extend it to the offline, outside world as well? You can complement a few people, smile at them, hug them, or just do anything as long as it is kind and random.


Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others. ~ Barbara Bush


Joining Generation G isn’t just adding more social responsibility. It is a different mindset and a change that the majority of us need.

Generosity doesn’t hurt. It really doesn’t. People will begin to appreciate what you’re doing and will see you as an example. Your kindness will not go unnoticed, nor will it be forgotten.

Not only will you affect someone else’s life positively, you will affect yours too. It is scientifically proven that the euphoric feeling of helping someone and being recognised for it can benefit us physiologically and psychologically. It is good for your soul as well as your brain.

The majority of us don’t feel what is happening to everyone else in the world, because it is not happening next door to us, it’s not personal. It is a known fact, however, that people are still dying from starvation, dehydration, rubbish health care and more. Why can’t we do our bit to help those who need it?


You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give. ~ Winston Churchill


So, I propose for you all to challenge yourselves with 21 Days of Kindness. Be generous and show kindness to people for 21 days. Should you think of a nasty, selfish, jealous thought, you have to start those 21 days again. See how many days you do before you finally have 21 days of full kindness.


Or better yet. Be generous for the rest of your life.


"For individuals, giving is already the new taking, and sharing is the new giving.

Challenging times see people craving care, empathy, sympathy and generosity." ~ Trendwatching

Money is like manure; it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around encouraging young things to grow. ~ Thornton Wilder


Join Generation G and become selfless. There are too many people with "Me, Myself and I". True, we all have our ups and downs, but being selfless has its own reward. Selfishness doesn’t.

There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life -- happiness, freedom, and peace of mind -- are always attained by giving them to someone else. ~ Peyton Conway March


Thank you for reading. If you believe in this, please and spread the word.