'Why don't you linger awhile?'

The tenth one

📓 Summer Reading Part 1: From Origins to Everyday Acts

Ever wonder where the word "generous" comes from? It's got some pretty interesting roots. In Latin, it comes from two words: genere, which means to beget, produce, create, cause to exist, bring to life or generate. And genus, which means birth, descent, origin (especially of noble birth). In Greek, "genesis" means "origin" or "birth," again linking generosity to high moral character and noble beginnings.

According to Webster’s dictionary, the English word “generous” means to be magnanimous, kindly, liberal in giving, openhanded, marked by abundance or ample proportions, copious.

…the expansion of the soul to great things…. Magnanimous people do not expose themselves to danger for trifles, nor are they lovers of danger, as it were, exposing themselves to dangers hastily or lightly. However, magnanimous people brave great dangers for great things because they put themselves in all kinds of danger for great things, for instance, the common welfare, justice, divine worship, and so forth.

Thomas Aquinas

Back in ancient Greece and Rome, generosity and philanthropy were big deals. The Greeks had "xenia," a practice of hospitality where being generous to guests was considered a duty. Romans, on the other hand, valued "liberalitas" (generosity) and "beneficium" (doing favors). The wealthy were expected to help the community through public works and support. (sounds like The Gospel of Wealth, right?). In fact, the Greek description of philanthropy as "love for humanity" underscores the universal value of compassion and benevolence toward others. It emphasizes the importance of caring for the welfare of fellow human beings and making a positive impact on society through acts of generosity and kindness.

I really love the phrase “To Speak to Your Heart," which highlights the importance of sincerity, empathy, and inner reflection in acts of generosity and kindness. It emphasizes the idea that true philanthropy comes from a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others, rooted in compassion and empathy.

Ok, I know that was a lot. 😅 Let’s get into a short story.

///After my sophomore year, I found myself needing to attend summer school. The classes were held at my high school, but students from various other schools in the district also attended. It seemed like my high school was the central for the summer school program. Despite being in familiar surroundings, I felt out of place among the mix of new faces. One morning, before classes began, I found myself lingering in the bathroom, trying to avoid the discomfort of sitting alone or aimlessly wandering the halls. I was feeling quite awkward and didn't want to face the social anxiety of being by myself in a crowded place. While I was wasting time in the bathroom, a girl noticed me. She approached and, with a knowing smile, asked, "You're wasting time, aren't you?" I sheepishly admitted that I was, and to my relief, she laughed along with me. Instead of leaving me to alone to my own devices, she kindly offered to walk around the halls with me. Her friendly gesture made a world of difference, turning what could have been an uncomfortable situation into a moment of connection and camaraderie.///

That simple act of kindness made such a difference. Her generosity wasn't about giving me something material; it was about giving her time and company. It reminded me that generosity is about connecting with others and making them feel included.

Thinking back on the origins of the word "generous" and my own high school experience (and many others), it's amazing how the essence of generosity has stayed the same, even though our language has changed. From its noble beginnings in Latin and Greek to the simple, everyday acts of kindness we see now, generosity has always been about making connections and supporting each other. Knowing the history behind these words helps us appreciate their deeper meaning and the values they represent. By understanding where these concepts come from, we can see how they've shaped our interactions and why being generous with our time and compassion is so important.

So, now what? What do we do with this information today? Remember, the goal of Everyday Ribbons is to take you on a journey to reinvent your practice of generosity. By understanding the rich history and evolution of generosity, we can find new ways to bring it into our everyday lives. Let's use these stories and origins as inspiration to make our acts of generosity more meaningful and carefully considered. 💙

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👉🏽 Up next: We’ll focus on the present day, examining how generosity and philanthropy manifest in contemporary society, from charity to corruption and donor fatigue.

🚢 On deck: We’ll explore the African philosophies of Ubuntu and Harambee and do a case study on the evolution of the word "woke" (that’ll be a fun one).

👋 Our final stop: We’ll delve into the nuanced difference between definition and meaning, unraveling the complexities of language and communication. 

—you’ll notice I use the word ‘so’ quite often. you’ll also most likely notice bad grammar and the overuse of commas and punctuation in my writing—so yea