Wednesday, November 10, 2010

On Giving, Getting and Inequality

If you've sometimes had trouble sorting out the mixed messages on this blog with respect to acts of kindness, perhaps this might help you out.

"Because of our natural aversion to inequality ... we sometimes find generosity as annoying as selfishness."

That about sums it up.

Of course, one study does not constitute final proof. However, being unequal in terms of others' valuation and the constant effort to hold on hard to our sense of self-worth lies at the heart of the seeming conflict. That is, it's perfectly natural to appreciate help of the kind Daphne and I have sometimes received; and to resent it for the situation it represents.

No comments: