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Designing For Generosity

What would the world look like if we designed for generosity? Instead of assuming that people want to simply maximize self-interest, what if our institutions and organizations catered to our deeper motivations? This compelling TEDx talk explores this question and introduces the concept of Giftivism: the practice of radically generous acts that change the world. The video is charged with stories of such acts, ranging from: the largest peaceful transfer of land in human history, to a pay-it-forward restaurant, to a 10-year-old's unconventional birthday celebration, and the stunning interaction between a victim and his teenage mugger. With clarity and insight, it details the common threads that run through all these gift manifestations, and invites us to participate through everyday acts of kindness -- in an uplifting global movement.

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    Peace Lady RI

    Such a wonderful TED talk, very inspiring. I work for peace in the littlest state -- Rhode Island -- and we're trying to make it the first Peace State. I've forwarded this video to everyone on the project. We are interested in everyday acts of kindness and paying-it-forward. Imagine if lots of us did these things every day.

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    Deb Reid

    Engaged goodness ~ spreading generative power!

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    human

    I am thrilled and I clapped . T.Q.

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    Srikanth

    The world we live would be far better place to live happily , if we all were to practice the principles Giftivism .

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    rajendra

    Very good.Congratulations.

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    Rocío

    Thank you I will include in my classes this principles.

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    Deepak Naik

    What inspired you about this video? Power of giving is far greater than power of having. Great thoughts. Excellent presentation, straight from the heart. Please let me know how I can particpate in Designing for generosity.

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    Yerram Raju

    Profound thoughts for posterity and the current generation in most simple expression. In the good old days, even in the midst of severe drought, there were several houses that used never to decline food of what little they had, when a guest of any caste stands in front of the house. The forgotten culture has scope for revival with such apostles like you.

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    Sethi

    Thank you . Inspirational . It inspires one , for carrying out one's inner transformation and taking it forward to serve others in this world .

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    Vikas Seth

    What inspired me most about this video was the realization that we have the capacity to bring out the positive side of a person even when he is performing a negative act. Being kind thoughtful and caring for people (relatives / friends / strangers )is an ancient art which not be taught or practiced by us any more. When we get we forget to give or even be thankful for it. Instead we greed for more. What we take we return only when asked for.The only thing we need to change is our attitude towards one another. When we see someone accomplish or achieve something in life we should learn how they accomplished it and practice the same rather then feeling sad for ourselves or jealous.

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    Tamilyn

    i felt soo alive listening and knowing what is said rings with truth..and the proof is in the pudding so to speak ..as the ripples grow outwards within my own circle daily ...thak you soooo mauch everyone here just for being here ..im off to create another ripple ..have a great day !!

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    Nitam

    Yes thats what i thought just change attitudes. It`s discussed enough just do it

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    Nisarg

    It is a step forward in a new direction for humanity - a kind of rehearsal for a big shift in consciousness. Like!

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    jmaisterra

    GRACIAS!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!!!!

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    Moanalani

    In a world where economic bubbles are finally burst, everywhere, where we seem to be insistent that economic and social polarization must be inevitable.In this world where we humans stubbornly shout the same questions out to our Political and business leaders, What will YOU do now! Why are YOU not CREATING the jobs we need? What are YOU doing to keep me safe? YOU dare to utter the unthinkable: AUSTERITY!? All the while there are powers that be PERSISTING in the message: the ONLY way to save our global economy is to make it possible to CONTINUE consuming, keep consuming all, keep it up at the UNSUSTAINABLE, inevitably, destructive rate, this is what is known to WORK... THIS is what offer and call it a SOLUTION???? (oh yes, that whole unsustainable thing...details, details)..... PERHAPS THE WRONG QUESTIONS ARE SHOUTED OUT THE LOUDEST AND MOST OFTEN!?!?!?!?!?!?! There is clearly a need for a TOTALLY different view/method/ PHILOSOPHY? PARADIGM....This video..Some voice has been given to what I might have thought fanciful wishes in my own mind. CLEAR< FRESH< CHALLENGING< and very much with in our reach!

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    vijendra

    cool

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    Aashil

    thanks

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    Kailash

    We also can give love towards others

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    madhura

    thankyou for introducing concept of giftivism thankyou for generosity

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    colette

    I love the concrete examples and lack of preaching... abundance activated! I love it! thank you.

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    Santosh

    Idea of chain of generosity & abundance. This video has opened a new dimension of thinking.

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    Paola

    Thank you for your generosity, Nipun. This was so inspiring and touching to me that it made me cry. May each of us give freely for the transformation of all. I am hopeful that paying forward with acts of kindness and generosity can transform the world.

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    Nina Rosa

    I am a special educator headed for Tokyo to teach and this is a reminder of what it is all about. When we do what comes passionately to us we are abundant and it is easy to give freely with unconditional love and trust. Thanks so much for the wonderful reminder of what it is all about. Paying it forward and living with abundance and releasing the ideas of lack and scarcity. Loved the video and the share. Metta

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    Deb

    it just confirms, "we may not have it all together, but together we have it all"

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    Venu

    Giving is so simple yet so difficult to do.

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    henrietta

    "tapping into "enough." " Because I know and have experienced how generosity works, and comes back to you. "You can't shake hands with a clenched fist". Generosity is so easy, and inspires others to do the same. It's a practice I need to work harder on.

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    Darrell Gasparini

    everything!!!!

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    Tamara G. Suttle

    Thank you! Such a fabulous way to underscore and highlight the desire many of us have to change the world. Happy to share your video and good works!

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    Srinivas

    Anything I say would be cliche. I have a question though. Do you think you could go change Republicans and Rush Limbaugh in general?

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    arvind

    ..I regret for an error in my comments- please read 'Mr. Mehta' for 'Mr. Patel' in my comments. With this oversight it strikes to my mind how does it matter -be it Mr. Patel or Mr. Mehta or any one else, we salute to the kind person behind the noble cause and all those who join hands with such generous persons- Arvind Shrivastava

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    arvind

    Its great to listen, greater to appreciate the out of box idea-cultivation of generosity in the present self centered materialistic society, the greatest- to practice and propagate, I salute the young man- Mr. Patel and proud that he has roots in India- Arvind Shrivastava

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    Madhu Aggarwal

    Giving is so simple. All we need is trust.

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    shardarao tummala

    Amazing....wish more people are inspired to be generous

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    Dr VKRamadesikan

    This Mother Earth has for things for everyone's need But Not for everyone's greed -MK Gandhi

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    Srikanth Sola, MD

    Beautiful. Articulate. I left my successful cardiology practice in the USA four years ago to focus on charitable care of the poor in India (Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences) and I experience what Nipun speaks about every day. Love, compassion, and service bring joy to the heart.

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    av

    the fact that it's so simple, so true....i pledge to be more generous with praise....

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    Sundar

    Love All Serve All has been brought out beautifully by the Nipuns. This is the only way to usher in the Golden Age. Thank you for being such an inspiritation.

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    Madhusudan

    Transaction to trust is difficult to understand.In a world where one has ot die someday and where one can not have alternative what is the use of all these things ?

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    Vish

    Extremely inspiring !! I have resolved to do random acts of kindness and generosity everyday in my life henceforth. A mere smile, a touch, a hug and a sympathetic ear can do wonders. It need not be an expensive gift - rather should be a gift of value !! Cheers and Thanks !!

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    Swarnarekha

    What inspired you about this video? So Powerful yet simple truth - delivered beautifully - Thank You Nipun !

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    RM

    The truth of these transcendent principles.The people are real and the stories are real - it can be done!

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    Nanda Shirke

    The simplicity of the language and Nipun's genuineness.

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    Kumar

    Great work. In Simple Words,you dint use the word "GOD",but rishis,monks,popes,mohammads do.

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    Arun

    One of the most powerful and transformational short dialogue I have witnessed. It is so incredibly simple and yet so profound!! Nipun's delivery is genuine and heartfelt - that's why it creates this life-changing impact. Thanks.

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    Margarida(Radha)

    Love and Gratitude! Thank you!

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    Stewart Pearce

    Nipun and ServiceSpace are revolutionary living models of Compassion Capital functioning freely in todays world. Nipun's clarity and deep sincerity are breathtaking to behold. May he, with the other brother and sisters of his community, be given an opportunity to spread their generosity and optimism, their love and courage, throughout the commercial world. Then there will be change....three cheers of ServiceSpace.......hip, hip hooray!

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    Simon Paul Sutton

    Everything inspired me, this is the new way of being, thank you for bringing the word and act of giftivism to the world

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    bibijan ibrahim

    What inspired you about this video? How Nipun so sincerely surfaces this ruth: loving kindness is the heart and the way of the universe. Thank you to Nipun and all your kinsdred in service.

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    kalindi

    great idea.pay it forward is a nice way of generosity.

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    osayi Lynda

    it is a great revelation of what the act of giving can do.

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    rao

    Inspiring video

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    Ruth Raven

    Occupy can get the media attention but it's the local, individual acts that are going to change the world. I'm inspired!!

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    Lydiah Randall

    What goes around comes around. To give is more blessed than to receive. I am a believer.

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    Nipun

    Thank you, all, for the inspiring comments and pledges!

    @Rev-Arpad, we would be delighted to support your effort of bringing more giftivism into your spiritual community. To start with, you'll like to read this Generosity 2.0 document: www.charityfocus.org/docs/kosmos.pdf

    @mojdah, your pledge of doing free braces in your dental office is super inspiring! @Lance-Charles, here's a document for starting a local Karma Kitchen: www.karmakitchen.org/index.php?pg=start

    @Bren-Brown, to help your eBay business be more rooted in generosity, you might like to explore Smile Cards: www.helpothers.org -- many businesses will select random customers and "tag" them with a gift and Smile Card so the ripple keeps going. See this by Peace Fleece: www.servicespace.org/blog/view.php?id=2099

    Let's all keep spreading the love! :)

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    Rev Arpad Petrass

    As the Spiritual Leader of my Center I was blown away by this video. It has pushed me to reevaluate how we can be of better service to the community. I hope that someone from your team would have the generosity to work with me so that I can reinvent my spiritual paradigm.

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    P V Sebastian

    Ask, what not inspired me on this video!! I so strongly felt, and truly and instantly too, the moment of truth. So very powerful and so simple to practice, GIFTIVISM...I am in for it, period.

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    Susie Beiersdorfer

    Hopeful.Community. Ahimsa. Love.

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    Judith Weiss

    I think reading the book "Same Kind of Different As Me" will truly inspire anyone to think of others more than they think of themselves. It's hard to put down and even harder to ignore.

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    Rupak Niroula.

    THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE>>> THE FEELING OF ONENESS... THE TIME HAS COME... WE NEED TO CHANGE THE DIRECTION... WE ARE ALL ONE..

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    ninan

    very nice to see that there is great power in goodness which is latent in everybody

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    Lance Charles

    I want to design build and give away another pay it forward good Karma kitchen.

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    Hank

    Thank you for that very inspiring change of mind set, and attitude The world would truely benefit if we all were on board with this idea.Being a blessing to someone else is what we are born to do,we as a nation just cannot see that.

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    DV Sharma

    Yes, giving, helping or contributing does uplift self. But this one is a great reminder how each one could trigger an auspicious circle and to everyone's benefit !

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    Shuja

    Amazing... Just hope all get his point of Generosity and the world we live would be very different ... everyone lives for someone else....

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    Bonnie Allen

    What a great way to live from the inside out.

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    bilkis

    very inspiring, we need more people like him for us to bring change and compassion in this world

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    Gomathi.V

    Transformation WITH IN ! ! ! Awesome Viedo ! Will follow the concept GIFTIVISM :)

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    BapuG

    Bin there,done that. This utopian idea is old AND does not work. It did not work for Vinba either in reality. ALTHOUGH IT WAS A NICE CUTE STORY ABOUT THE ROBBER BY THE SPEAKER, PLEASE DON'T COPY IT. MY ADVISE TO YOU IS WHEN A GUY APPROACHES YOU WITH A KNIVE AND DEMANDS YOUR WALLET PEASE GIVE TO HIM RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT, I REPETE DO NOT TRY TO BE CUTE AND INVITE HIM BACK TO GIVE HIM YOUR WATCH. Prof.Unis of Bangladesh has succeeded to some extent by his idea of Grameen Bank -- a bank without the motive of making money. He was recognised for his work by A Nobel Prize of economics. I am sure this movement will die after his death AND WILL NOT FLURISH IN bANGLADESH. BapuG

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    eunice

    to be the wish i want to see in the world.

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    Holly

    Hearing how people who have so little will simply give what they have has inspired me. Recently I have been under a great deal of stress, trying to send my kids on trip for sports, school and competitions.Perhaps by dwelling on the perceived deficit in my life, I have overlooked my abundance. Off to clean closets and take "stuff" ie abundance to the FREE STORE we have run my the Anti Poverty Society...not feeling so stressed, trusting the process.

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    MANISH VORA

    great sir, really dis is d way to give n convert d selfish society to self less society n a whole new good n natural world n people wud b dere...kudos karmatube...do your karma as v say in hindu mythology..

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    Noor A.F

    I appreciate this act of encouraging generosity. My inner part had never been good but I am trying hard to change it. Not only was I greedy but also different style of life caused by other factors. I like to be generous and receive the thank and that was what I really loved. Thank man for inspiring the people. we have to give

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    Eric

    A very interesting article/video in today's Great News Gazette. It challenges people on how each of us can become more involved with our community and work together.

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    LanceCharles

    Start with a clean sheet. Throw out old ideas and start fresh. Learn to cultivate the beginners mind. Setting aside all preconceptions.

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    Louise

    That was a very powerful video, Changing our mindset and to give to other gives us that beautiful feeling and you do see the smiles on others.

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    Jean-Marc

    This is the antithesis of greed and hatred at its purest form.In a few days our planet earth will have 7 billion inhabitants.Maybe giftivism could be our salvation?.Let's be selfish for a moment and manifest the survival of our species,for the sake of our kids and our pets...

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    Kermit

    Sometimes I give like in the video. It always brings a warm response. But with almost zero rate of earnings, I'm having to rethink. kbk

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    Cindy

    I see hope for the future and deeply revere these innovative souls who created this movement. Thank you to all of them.

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    Gaia

    THE TRUTH!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR HELPING US WAKE UP!!!!!!

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    Peter Collins

    This is the future of man it must be for us to survive. I want to help be a part of it.

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    James

    Generosity as an other regarding is the first step on the path to liberation from the anxious concerns of a limited self

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    Sonya

    I have always believed we should be generous, kindhearted and open to helping others, it is a foundation of my faith. This level of generosity reminds me that there is a law of reaping and sowing....I plan on sowing much more generosity so that I can so more generosity - truly transformative.

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    Thalia Hollis

    This video has me thinking in a whole new way today.

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    Cressa

    :-) Awsome& inspirational what if ... What if health care industries made this transformation. What if human interaction with nature and non-local conciousness made this transformation. I am wondering what will happen if this message is truley recived. What will happen if the current industry& institutions become receptive to this humane message and concept of generosity & giftivism. I have noticed personaly it always feels good to give but it is humbling to recive. This video makes the reality that humans are in the process if becoming clear to me. The idea that humanism can choose & change our current operating systems of interactions with eachother and through that process become aware of how crucial it is to create life sustaiable relationships from within rippleing out to whole world and universe. Greed is not a sustain-able.

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    Ann Davis

    Down in the rural south where people have long struggled to make ends meet, our ancestors made the custom of giving whenever, whatever we had in abundance. It was and is still, I am pleased to say, a custom still alive and well, but hampered by lack of time and energy and the perception of not having enough. Our problem today is to know when someone needs something we can give, and the reluctance of some to accept gifts. I am talking about, mainly, that excess of garden produce, babysitting a child for a working mother's night out, mowing a lawn for a senior friend, a smile, a part-time job, etc. But, think of the possibilties when it expands in the public consciousness and in the public view. Not just giving but receiving - freeing up the flow - as a way of life. Isn't this what our current President asked us to try for years ago? Loved it.

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    anantharaman

    You came with nothing. You are to go with nothing. Everything in between you are holding in trust to be given away to the true owner who needs it more than you. It is like the ball game where you have to pass it on before you have received and you find the root to happiness. We had a toy donation drive where a four year old gave away everything she had, saying now all the uncles and aunts are going to be generous and give her a whole lot of new toys.

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    Robert "SpongeBOB" Chew

    What Inspired Me about this Video? I know Nipun Mehta. I have met him in my lifetime at least 7 times. I am so inspired by what he had done with his life, that I am now inspired to help others bring a CAR SHARE opportunity to the World--like no other. The Model from P.A.T.S.Carshare.com is not quite the same, but it moves in a similar direction. It is about empowering your community, your sponsors, your clietele, or Car Renters to pay with gratitude inspired heart. Can we help a car owner with an underutilized car that is parked many weeks out of a month idle, to turn it into an asset to help someone without a car to get around? The answers are yes on a about 7 levels of sharing. Our story will come back to you in 7 months--stay tuned. Bchew

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    mfrom

    Each one of us has the ability to give and help--be it a little or a lot.

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    Parvati

    EVERY SINGLE WORD AND THE ENERGY OF THIS MAN WHO GIVES AS HE SPEAKS. THANK YOU!

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    deborah

    Generosity reflects the haves, have nots, us/them vision. What about the genius potential of all, nurturing for the gift each individual has to give the world? We are all haves that have been culturally conditioned to enable the world as we see it. That we have been duped into this “reality” needs to be part of the discourse. When we free up creative diversity we all benefit. When we change the intent, we change the direction. When we understand the connectivity of life and all things, we open the curtains. This goes over the economic, physical level of understanding. This aligns with physics, energy and nature. We are seeing far more cooperative systems than competitive. This goes beyond generosity for it is a realization of healing and coming together that recognizes the whole aligned with the individual. We are truly both at once. The whole is greater than the sum, synergy yes but the next step provides for an opening of possibilities that is incomprehensible in the current perspective. Generous reiterates the old model, justifying the take by giving some back…I suggest you look into the banking system for it is designed that some must lose in order for others to win. Generosity can’t cure a dis-eased foundation.

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    Jan

    wow.. wow.. robbery 101.. that made my eyes fill up.. beautiful .. :)

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    shauna novy

    consumption to Contribution Transaction to Trust Rely on our inter-connections. putting a name on a innter feeling of I will be provided for, I will live my life with grace.

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    Mia

    It is hard to put into words why I am inspired by this video - Partly, it is because I've had the amazing opportunity to meet Nipun and his family - and every one, EVERY ONE of the people I have met - his wife, mother, father, brother, sister-in-law...LIVE this life of generosity that Nipun speaks about in this video...and they all exude a joy that is quite unlike any I've seen - beyond the joy of a child receiving a gift, or a sports fan when his team wins the playoffs - it is more like the joy that comes when you realize you are not sick, or your close friend has beat his/her illness, a kind of profound joy that takes over from the inside, huge, reaching beyond the perimeters of your body - to witness this, to be a part of this sort of service that gives back in return, this sort of joy, is to witness - Divinity. I am also struck by how almost polar opposite Nipun's talk is to what seems to be going on in the world, especially in the US with our taking of sides,the haves and have nots, the hate speech... - there is a definite lack of love and generosity. But, in the watching of this, I weep not for what isn't, but for the possibilities of what are, and what could be - Imagine.

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    Gopi

    It is a very enpowering video....it takes me from all that I need to do to all that more that I can do....... Re-awakened my old dreams of doing good......loved it!

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    Rachel

    I love this video. The story of the boys doing the carwash out of a sense of generosity resonates with me. It is the habit of me and my five-year-old daughter to take cut flowers downtown 3 or 4 times a year and hand them out to people. It is a good lesson about generosity for my daughter and I love to see the faces of the people she gives flowers to - homeless, well-to-do, men, women - it doesn't matter. You get a flower and a greeting for the season from a very happy little girl. :-) Those are my favorite days of the year.

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    Ron

    I dont even HAVE to finish..(as I AM) listening to this..Love these guys here on TED and KarmaTube..All About Service ..and ALL So True.Many Blessing for what you Do.. In Gratitude

  • Page 1

  • Volunteer with ServiceSpace, an incubator of gift-economy projects that operates with a lens of inner transformation.
  • Check out more writings and talks by Nipun, and his most recent commencement speech: Paths Are Made by Walking.
  • Engage in an act of giftivism.  Do something radically generous, with focus on your inner experience, and observe its ripple effect.

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