Giving, letting go & impact
Why people pass wealth on and what it means on both sides. On motives, recognition and voluntary decisions.
Does giving money away make you happier than spending it?
Spending money on others can feel surprisingly good. But how reliable is that effect, when does it occur, and what do small psychological experiments really tell us about giving away a large fortune?
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Why people give wealth away
People give money out of affection, responsibility, conviction or a desire to change something. With substantial wealth, several motives often come together. Research shows how little the simple opposition between selflessness and self-interest explains.
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Giving while you are still alive
Passing wealth on during your lifetime lets you see what becomes of it. That opens up possibilities, but also changes relationships, expectations and your own role. What makes the timing of a gift psychologically significant?
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Giving anonymously or wanting to be seen?
Some people give discreetly; others deliberately allow their names to be mentioned. What does that say about their motives? Research shows that publicity can change giving, but not always in the same direction.
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What happens when money changes hands?
A voluntary gift changes a bank balance. Its effects on freedom, expectations, gratitude and the relationship between two people are harder to calculate. A look at both sides of the transfer.
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