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In the eyes of many people, giving doesn't count unless it's completely selfless. In reality, though, giving isn't sustainable when it's completely selfless.
Adam Grant
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Giving needs a balance between selflessness and self-care to be truly sustainable.

Adam Grant's quote highlights the misconception that true giving must be entirely selfless. Instead, he believes that sustainable generosity requires a degree of self-interest, as completely selfless actions can lead to burnout and reduce one's capacity to give in the long run. Acknowledging one's own needs is crucial for effective and enduring contributions to others.

Themes

GivingSelflessnessSustainabilityGenerositySelf-Care

In practice

Example use cases

During a workshop on volunteering, this quote can be used to illustrate the importance of self-care among helpers.

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