Through the ages, the world’s cultures and great religions have in profound, though different, ways sought to answer the big question: how should we live? Part of the answer has to do with how we ought to treat others, particularly those who are most in need. Ample evidence suggests that giving selflessly to others lies at the heart of what it means to be a thoughtful and moral human being. In Being Generous, author Theodore Roosevelt Malloch leads an exploration of this important concept of generous giving.

He begins by examining how generosity fits into the various spiritual traditions, philosophical schools, and economic systems. Further chapters illustrate how generosity need not always be about money, showing how it might also involve the sharing of time and talent. Elsewhere, Malloch explores the science behind generosity, looking, for example, at the relationship between various chemicals in the brain and generous behavior. Beyond the theory and the science of generosity, readers will also find a wealth of inspiration in a collection of profiles of past and present icons of generosity.

Being Generous concludes with a practical action plan that lays out concrete steps to guide readers toward lives of greater giving.

“This is a book I will refer to in the future. There are certainly many people who could benefit from the tenet that true happiness is found in giving.” —Hilary Morgan, thegoodbookstall.org.uk (online review)

St. Augustine said: “Discover what being generous means, and begin living it.” Theodore Roosevelt Malloch, chairman and CEO of the Roosevelt Group, a leading strategic advisory and thought leadership company,  takes a brief look at how all of the world’s religions see generosity as a mark of living well in the eyes of God. Even modern secular philosophy celebrates this virtue as “a universal moral urge, our defining nature.” The author then examines his own tradition of Christian thinking by focusing on St. Paul’s teachings and practices of generosity. He concludes that those who respond to the gift of grace offered by God are energized to give freely to others. —Spirituality and Practice, 04/07/2010

“The book draws on a variety of evidence to show that generosity is not only good for society but good for the individual. Throughout this inspiring book, pithy and interesting one-page biographies appear of well-known givers and their motivations for helping others. These range from Johann Sebastian Bach, John D. Rockefeller, and Mother Theresa to Bill and Melinda Gates.” —Center for Neuroeconomics Studies, 3/19/2010

“Theodore Roosevelt Malloch’s embrace of the generous life and its reciprocating benefits bleeds through every page of his new book Being Generous. He wrote this short book with one simple goal for its readers: “Discover what being generous means, and begin living it.” . . . As a believer in the joy and meaningfulness of generosity, I commend his compilation of motivations for being generous.” —Faith-Based Philanthropy, 2/27/2010

“Being Generous is profound—yet very, very readable. It’s not yesterday’s leftovers—it’s new thinking pulled from the widest array of knowledge—served up with inspiring side dishes that motivate and are generously seasoned with wisdom.” —John Pearson, Buckets Blog

“In recent years, philanthropy has become an essential ingredient in popular culture—from Oprah’s Big Give and Idol Gives Back to the eponymous television show The Philanthropist. But often what “philanthropy for the masses” lacks is a thoughtful grounding in the moral and religious principles of giving. In Being Generous Ted Malloch delivers an insightful and practical guide to the art of giving. In short, being generous is not just about monetary contributions or adhering to a suggested tithe, but rather the joyous action of sharing our time, talent, and treasure. . . . Being Generous rightfully does not ignore the dark side of philanthropy—giving that is misguided or uninformed. This book is accessible to people in all life stages, faiths, and all traditions. No matter where you are in your “formation” (indeed, formation is a life-long journey) careful study of generosity may just bring you closer to peace and fulfillment.” —Dr. Patrick Rooney, Center on Philanthropy (IUPUI), 11/16/2009

I just finished reading Theodore Malloch’s wonderful new book Being Generous (Templeton Press, 2009), which investigates the reasons for and results of generosity. The book draws on a variety of evidence to show that generosity is good for society and the individual. Throughout this inspiring book, pithy and interesting one-page biographies of well-known givers and their motivations for helping others appear. These range from Johann Sebastian Bach, John D. Rockefeller, and Mother Theresa to Bill and Melinda Gates. —Paul J. Zak, Psychology Today, 11/22/2009