Solid stuff. One thing I would add though, is that you should focus on being generous to those who are lower on the social rung than you are. There are a lot of reasons for this, but one important one is that your generosity has more value if you spend it down. The newlywed/recently-laid-off-guy will get much more out of your buying him lunch, than your buddy will.
Agreed. And the lower-status person is also less likely to be able to "pay you back". Hence your generosity will more likely look "for free", for the sake of it, rather than having ulterior motives; making you "shine brighter", so to speak. :-)
Although what you say is true, there is a difference between pursuing glory from a state of consumption (zero sum) and a state of communion (multiplication through shared identity). I would like to believe that I am increasingly becoming more of the latter than the former.
Solid stuff. One thing I would add though, is that you should focus on being generous to those who are lower on the social rung than you are. There are a lot of reasons for this, but one important one is that your generosity has more value if you spend it down. The newlywed/recently-laid-off-guy will get much more out of your buying him lunch, than your buddy will.
Agreed. And the lower-status person is also less likely to be able to "pay you back". Hence your generosity will more likely look "for free", for the sake of it, rather than having ulterior motives; making you "shine brighter", so to speak. :-)
Although what you say is true, there is a difference between pursuing glory from a state of consumption (zero sum) and a state of communion (multiplication through shared identity). I would like to believe that I am increasingly becoming more of the latter than the former.
Looks like Sir Richard in your pic. Have you been to Necker Island?
I enjoyed this. If you’re willing to share, I’m interested in how you apply “greatness as generosity” in your everyday life.