The “Give to Get” Philosophy

What does it mean to “Give to Get?” It is a philosophy and way of life that centers around selfless actions on behalf of others. The benefits are not known, yet returned to the giver. The first step in giving to get is the hardest because you have no idea what you are going to get. Is it worth it? What if I don’t get what I want? What if I don’t get anything at all?

There is no balance of trade with giving to get. There is no arbiter of “value” who ensures that what was gotten measures up to what was given. No one is “due” to get because they have given. It just happens and it happens in ways that the giver could not have expected. But, many people never start for fear of the unknown or because their personal philosophy has become simply about struggling to hold onto what they have.

The point is to give without knowing what, if anything, you will get in return. Humans are wired to give. We are wired to help one another. Unfortunately through life we begin to place a value on what we give and if disappointed with the return, we feel we’ve been cheated, that we have been foolish. And we stop giving.

“Giving to Get” is a simple concept, but sometimes because of its simplicity, it is misunderstood. Giving to Get is not about “giving” with the expectation of a specific return, or any return at all, for that matter. If the expectation of return does not match the giver’s perceived generosity, there is disappointment.

Donating one million dollars to a university to have one’s name placed on a building, is an act of generosity (and should be applauded and recognized), but it is not “Giving to Get.” It is simply a business deal. Handing five dollars to a homeless man while traveling in a town far from home is “Giving to Get.” Giving without an expectation of return or without any outside pressure or recognition (other than a thank you) is the basis of giving to get.

“Giving to Get” is also not about money. In the vast majority of cases, “Giving to Get” is not even related to money. Money can be a substitute for effort. For some, money is just an efficient means to make a difference. But for others it is about something far more valuable than money. It is about a transaction in humanity.

We each have a bank account that is never ending. That bank account is filled with kind words, smiles, pats on the back and other forms of encouragement. Our bank accounts can never be exhausted, but we should try. Rather than giving money one can give time, interest, encouragement, applause, a handshake, a hug, praise or deserved thanks. You can also offer an open door, space under an umbrella or a helping hand. You don’t need money to “Give to Get.”You give because it increases your connection with humanity. You Give to Get because you’re human.

What do you get? Well, it is a little like Forrest Gump’s mother said “Life’s a box of chocolates, Forrest. You never know what you’re gonna get.”