Giving: Selfless or Selfish?

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

― Viktor E. Frankl

Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, is a YouTube sensation, amassing nearly 300 million subscribers at just 27. For many kids, including mine, his clean content offers a safe entertainment option.

On June 29th, MrBeast posted a video where he gave away 100 new homes to families in the Caribbean and Latin America living in horrible conditions. Despite the philanthropic act, he faced criticism, with some arguing that such responsibilities should fall on governments, not YouTubers, and that it is shameful to profit from philanthropy.

MrBeast addressed this criticism, saying, “Yes, ideally, a YouTuber isn’t the one fixing these issues, but I’m not just going to stand by and do nothing.” At the end of the original video, MrBeast addressed his viewers, saying, "Shout out to you guys, because obviously if you didn't watch these videos, we wouldn't have been able to build 100 houses. And if the channel continues to grow, I hope to do 1,000 in the future.”

MrBeast’s actions spotlight the duality of giving in the real world. If even selfless acts can be misunderstood or criticized, how should we view the application of philanthropy to business growth? At the time of writing this, MrBeast’s video had been viewed over 81 million times.

This brings us to the complex interplay between altruism and self-interest. Does the joy we get from giving make it selfish? Studies show that generosity activates our brain’s pleasure centers, a phenomenon known as the “helper’s high.” Adam Grant, in his research, argues that this dual benefit of altruism—improving others’ lives while enhancing our well-being—doesn’t lessen the value of generosity but instead highlights its powerful impact.

Understanding the connection between altruism and self-interest requires us to reframe our perspective. It’s essential to recognize that human motivation is rarely black and white. This duality does not undermine the significance of giving; rather, it highlights the complexity of human nature.

For instance, consider corporate philanthropy. Companies often engage in charitable activities not only to support societal causes but also to enhance their brand image, boost employee morale, and attract customers. These actions, while beneficial to society, also serve the company’s interests. This symbiotic relationship between giving and receiving benefits exemplifies how altruism can coexist with self-interest.

Determining when corporate philanthropy crosses from being genuinely impactful to self-serving is inherently challenging because it often involves subjective judgments about intent and outcomes.

Implementing regulatory standards to set company impact goals can be problematic, as it risks creating a one-size-fits-all approach that might stifle innovation and genuine goodwill. Additionally, such regulations could encourage companies to focus on meeting minimum requirements rather than fostering a culture of authentic impact. This delicate balance underscores the complexity of distinguishing true philanthropy from strategic self-interest.

Generosity often creates a ripple effect. Acts of kindness inspire others to follow suit, leading to significant positive change within communities. Countless researchers show that generosity is contagious. When people see others giving, they are likelier to do the same, creating a virtuous cycle of generosity.

By recognizing and embracing the duality of giving, we can foster a culture where impact thrives. The idea that giving can be both selfless and selfish is not a contradiction but a reflection of human complexity. The joy we derive from helping others is a powerful catalyst for positive change. As Adam Grant puts it, “Giving doesn’t just feel good—it can also be good for you.” By redefining our understanding of altruism, we can celebrate the multifaceted motivations that drive us to improve the world.

We launched this newsletter to discuss how focusing on philanthropy can bring purpose and motivation for growth to an organization. While some may disagree with this philosophy and consider it selfish, I invite you to focus on the real, measurable, and quantifiable impact created along the way. Our target is $1 million annually to the InfoTrust Foundation once we reach our next growth milestone. Give to Grow!

Gratefully yours

Alex