The World Responds to Haiti - January 23, 2010

It’s not a good time to be giving away one’s money. The U.S. unemployment rate remains at 10 percent, and many of us fortunate enough to have jobs are seeing our pay checks cut through less hours, furlough days and higher insurance costs. The nation is shackled by an ever-increasing debt, and depending on which economist you listen to, we are either still in or slowly climbing out of one of the worst worldwide recessions in decades.

During these uncertain economic times, millions of Americans have slashed their personal spending to save money, so it seems a bit illogical that anyone right now would be giving away his hard-earned cash, especially to strangers. Yet, that’s exactly what’s been happening in Haiti.

According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, since the earthquake, private donors have contributed more than $380 million to help the people of Haiti. From an economic standpoint, such actions don’t make sense because donors are diminishing their wealth and getting nothing in return, aside from a possible tax break.

Donating only makes sense if we accept the notion that human beings sometimes are motivated by principles other than just self-interest. A cynic might say that people are donating out of guilt or pity or to save a little money on their taxes. That might be partially true in some cases, but I don’t think it could account for the magnitude and the fervor of the response to the Haitian crisis.

As I continue to write on this blog and to tell my students, I believe the majority of people are kind and generous and will reach out to help others, given the right set of circumstances. Eating a candy bar feels good, but it feels even better sharing the candy bar with someone else. It’s no different with money. Giving makes us feel good.

Why? Although we lose sight of it sometimes in our daily struggles and pursuits, I believe we all know deep down that we are happiest and most fully alive when we respond to that little voice inside of us that tells us to think of others, not just ourselves.

Please, if you haven't done so already, consider making a donation to the relief effort in Haiti.