Infectious Generosity

The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading

By: Chris Anderson

Narrated by: Chris Anderson

Length: 6 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

The bestselling author, media pioneer, and curator of TED explores one of humankind’s defining but overlooked impulses, and how we can super-charge its potential to build a hopeful future—“an essential read to kick off the new year” (Forbes, “16 Must Have Books and Podcasts for Leaders in 2024”)

“I flew through these pages with an increasing sense of joy. I hope that millions read this book.”—Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love

Let’s face it: Recent years have been tough on optimists. Hopes that the Internet might bring people together have been crushed by the ills of social media. Is there a way back?

As head of TED, Chris Anderson has had a ringside view of the world’s boldest thinkers sharing their most uplifting ideas. Inspired by them, he believes that it’s within our grasp to turn outrage back into optimism. It all comes down to reimagining one of the most fundamental human virtues: generosity. What if generosity could become infectious generosity? Consider

• how a London barber began offering haircuts to people experiencing homelessness—and catalyzed a movement
• how two anonymous donors gave $10,000 each to two hundred strangers and discovered that most recipients wanted to “pay it forward” with their own generous acts
• how TED itself transformed from a niche annual summit into a global beacon of ideas by giving away talks online, allowing millions access to free learning

In telling these inspiring stories, Anderson has given us “the first page-turner ever written about human generosity” (Elizabeth Dunn). More important, he offers a playbook for how to embark on our own generous acts—whether gifts of money, time, talent, connection, or kindness—and to prime them, thanks to the Internet, to have self-replicating, even world-changing, impact.

©2024 Chris Anderson (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“This book was a much-needed gift to my weary and news-battered heart. In a time when we are constantly being told that we are more divided and combative than ever, and that the future will bring only more calamity and despair, Chris Anderson presents an inspiring body of evidence to support the tremendous and transformative power of generosity—that most beautiful of human impulses. Infectious Generosity is a combination of inarguable data and incredibly moving stories. How wonderful to learn that seemingly small and humble acts of kindness can create exponential whirlwinds of benevolent impact, and that generosity is just as contagious as any virus! I flew through these pages with an increasing sense of joy, and was left inspired and hopeful.”—Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love

“Profound and compelling . . . This book is a masterpiece, and an important one. I want everyone I know to read this—and everyone I don’t know, too.”—Andrew Solomon, author and speaker on culture and psychology

“Truly inspiring! . . . This book is the first page-turner ever written about human generosity. It will change the way you see the world around you.”—Elizabeth Dunn, social psychologist and expert on the science of happiness

Compelling read

So encouraging, full or stories of powerful, positive change and actionable ideas for all of us. Glad he read it in his own voice.

A beautiful idea well described

This book is a rare mix of hopeful realism and inspiring audacity. Thoroughly researched, well written and captivatinglyg read. Thanks!

It's not what you expect

The book tackles the topic of being generous and helping others. It gives examples of how people can be generous by giving money or working towards some worthy goal.

The proplem that i see is that the author assumes that generous people are either giving away money to poor / people in need or are people who gives away their time on a massive scale - like someone who goes out every day to give haircut to homeless. This sounds lovely but aren't parents who devote their time to spend time with their kids at the expense of giving up pleasures generous? Aren't we supposed to learn being generous by small acts of generosity? I feel like the author skipped on those "small" acts of generosity that you actually can start doing right now - like "say good morning to everyone just to make them feel better" in favour of the "sexy" big acts that while inspierig also makes you feel like you are doing nothing to help others. But I firmly believe that you start with those small acts and not make people give away 10% of theire income. That is a step to aim at. But will giving away money each month really help if you are unkind to others on daily basis? I think fixing the latter will make you more generous than giving away the money - and will have bigger impact on people around you.

By the end of this book I felt a bit ashamed that I am not giving more money to people in need. And then I have recalled that I am doing my best. I am giving my time to my kids. I am helping people around me. That being said I feel like this book showed me the next steps to take to be more generous.