John D. Rockefeller's Wise Words On The Power Of Giving

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This week, we’re diving into The Power of Giving.

🔥Quote of the Week:

“Giving is the secret to a healthy life. Not necessarily money, but whatever a person has to give of encouragement, sympathy, and understanding.” - John D. Rockefeller

🤔Reflection:

This is an excellent quote. But, I would add time, money and a helping hand to it as well.

The words of John D. Rockefeller remind us that true wealth lies not in what we accumulate, but in what we share. This is a massive mindset shift in comparison to what we were taught in the school system. Giving, whether it’s a kind word, a listening ear, or a moment of understanding, has a profound ability to transform both the giver and the receiver. It’s a ripple effect: a single act of encouragement can inspire someone to keep going, and in turn, that person’s resilience can uplift others. This isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about the small, intentional moments where we choose to offer something of ourselves. Reflect on a time when someone’s empathy or support changed your day - or even your life. How did it feel to be on the receiving end? Now, imagine the impact you could have by being that person for someone else.

Giving also forces us to step outside of our own concerns, connecting us to the humanity in others. It’s a reminder that we’re all part of a larger tapestry, where each thread of kindness strengthens the whole. Rockefeller’s emphasis on non-monetary giving is especially powerful in a world that often equates generosity with financial wealth. What do you have to offer today—a smile, a moment of patience, or a word of encouragement? These are the currencies of a healthy life, and they’re available to everyone, no matter their circumstances. Maya Angeolou said, “At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, but they WILL remember how you made them feel.”

Consider how giving shapes your perspective. When you offer understanding to someone struggling, you cultivate gratitude for your own blessings. When you encourage a friend, you reinforce your own resilience.

🏆Why This Can Be Your Superpower

Giving is a superpower because it’s a force multiplier—it amplifies positivity in ways that are hard to quantify. When you offer encouragement, you’re not just lifting someone’s spirits; you’re planting seeds for them to pay it forward. This is HUGE! It creates a cycle of goodwill that can transform groups and communities. Unlike material wealth, which can be depleted, giving from your heart—through empathy or understanding—grows stronger the more you use it. It’s a renewable resource that costs nothing but can yield immense returns in connection and fulfillment.

This superpower also rewires how you see the world. By focusing on what you can give, you shift from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance (this is a BIG deal!). You start to notice opportunities to make a difference, whether it’s helping a coworker solve a problem or offering a stranger a kind word. These acts build trust and strengthen relationships, creating a network of support that benefits everyone involved. Over time, this habit of giving becomes a lens through which you approach life, making you more resilient and adaptable.

Most importantly, giving empowers you to shape your own happiness. Rockefeller’s quote suggests that a healthy life stems from what you contribute, not what you consume. By choosing to give, you take control of your emotional well-being, finding purpose in the act itself. It’s a superpower that doesn’t require wealth, status, or special skills—just the willingness to show up for others.

🔬The Science Behind It

Science backs up Rockefeller’s wisdom: giving is good for your health. Studies show that acts of kindness, like offering emotional support or encouragement, trigger the release of oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, which reduces stress and promotes feelings of connection. A 2017 study in Scientific Reports found that people who engage in prosocial behaviors, such as helping others, experience lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health. This suggests that giving doesn’t just feel good—it physically strengthens you.

Psychologically, giving fosters a sense of purpose, which is linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety. Research from the University of Michigan showed that individuals who regularly volunteer or provide emotional support to others report higher life satisfaction and even live longer. The act of giving shifts focus from self-centered concerns to the well-being of others, reducing rumination and boosting mental clarity. It’s like a workout for your brain, building resilience and emotional strength.

Even small acts of giving—like offering a compliment or listening attentively—can create a “helper’s high,” a surge of endorphins that enhances mood. A 2020 study in Nature Communications found that people who give without expecting anything in return experience greater happiness than those who don’t. This aligns with Rockefeller’s idea that giving encouragement or understanding is enough to transform lives, including your own.

🧬Stories That Bring It to Life

In 2025, Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, used his massive YouTube platform to give hope to millions through his TeamWater charity initiative. Recognizing the global water crisis, he launched a campaign to provide clean water to 2,000,000 people in need, raising over $12 million in a single livestream and securing a $1.5 million donation from TikTok for clean water projects. Beyond the funds, MrBeast’s gift was his ability to inspire his audience to care, sharing stories of communities transformed by access to clean water. His videos showcased individuals—like a young girl in a rural African village who no longer had to walk miles for water—humanizing the issue and encouraging his fans to contribute. His relentless optimism and belief in collective action turned a daunting global problem into a shared mission, proving that giving encouragement can spark monumental change.

In Atlanta, 21-year-old TikTok creator Aliyah’s Interlude has used her platform to give understanding to outcasts and those who feel unaccepted. Known for her bold “Aliyahcore” aesthetic and viral hit “IT GIRL,” Aliyah, whose real name is Aliyah Harris, shares content that celebrates individuality and resilience. In 2024, she started posting heartfelt videos responding to fans who shared stories of being bullied or marginalized, offering words of empathy and urging them to embrace their uniqueness. One notable moment was when she connected with a teen follower who felt ostracized for their non-binary identity; Aliyah’s public message of support, paired with a virtual styling session to boost their confidence, went viral, amassing 10 million views. Her gift of understanding has created a safe space for her 2.9 million TikTok followers, fostering a community where self-expression is celebrated, and showing how a creator’s empathy can transform lives.

In 2023, a Brooklyn-based teacher named Marcus Thompson turned a struggling public school into a beacon of hope by giving his students something simple yet profound: his unwavering belief in them. Marcus, who grew up in a tough neighborhood himself, noticed his students were disengaged, weighed down by poverty and family challenges. Instead of focusing on test scores, he spent time listening to their stories and offering encouragement tailored to each child’s dreams. One student, a shy 14-year-old named Jada, wanted to be a poet but felt her work wasn’t good enough. Marcus spent his lunch breaks reading her poems and offering constructive feedback, helping her submit to a national youth poetry contest. Jada won second place, gaining the confidence to pursue writing. Marcus’s gift of time and belief transformed not just Jada, but an entire classroom, inspiring a culture of mutual support.

In rural Montana, Sarah Nguyen, a small-town nurse, started a “Kindness Chain” in 2024 to combat loneliness in her community. After noticing elderly patients felt isolated, she began writing handwritten notes of encouragement to each one, sharing stories of her own life to make them feel seen. She encouraged her patients to write notes to others, sparking a movement that spread across the town. Local businesses joined in, leaving notes of gratitude for customers, and soon, strangers were exchanging messages of hope. Sarah’s small act of giving—her words and time—created a wave of connection, reducing depression rates in her community by 15%, according to a local health survey.

In 2025, Javier Lopez, a Chicago-based chef, began offering free cooking classes to at-risk youth in his neighborhood. After overcoming addiction himself, Javier wanted to give others the tools to find purpose. He taught teens not just how to cook, but how to believe in their ability to create something meaningful. One student, 16-year-old Malik, went from skipping school to landing a job at a local restaurant after Javier’s mentorship. Javier’s gift of understanding and practical skills gave Malik a path forward, proving that giving can change trajectories.

🏃‍♂️How to Start Today

Begin with one intentional act of giving today. It doesn’t have to be big—send a thoughtful text to a friend who’s been quiet lately, or take five minutes to listen to a coworker without interrupting. Focus on giving something personal, like a specific compliment or a moment of empathy, rather than something generic. This makes the act more meaningful and builds a deeper connection.

Or, here’s an idea: We’ve all heard of or seen someone leave a nasty note on a windshield because of the other persons driving or parking ability. Try leaving a nice note a the car you park next to. Guaranteed to brighten that persons day and we never know what someone else is going through. You may just be the light in a dark time that they needed.

Set a goal to give once a day for the next week. Maybe keep a small notebook or note on your phone to jot down who you helped and how, if you want to. Maybe you held the door for a stranger and smiled, or maybe you offered advice to a neighbor. Tracking these moments can help you see the cumulative impact of your actions and reinforces the habit.

Find a cause or person that resonates with you and commit to giving consistently. This could mean volunteering an hour a week at a local shelter or fraternal organization or calling a family member regularly to check in. Consistency turns giving into a lifestyle, amplifying its benefits for you and those around you.

🎇A Challenge to Spark Change

This week, I challenge you to perform three unexpected acts of giving by Sunday. These should be acts of encouragement, sympathy, or understanding—no money required. For example, write a note to a colleague appreciating their hard work, offer a genuine compliment to a stranger, or listen fully to someone sharing a struggle without offering advice unless asked. At the end of the week, reflect on how these acts made you feel and how others responded. Share your experience with a friend to inspire others. The goal is to see how small gestures can create big ripples.

Please be certain you are always 100% genunine in your giving. Without sincerity, it is nothing more than fraudulent blather and isn’t helpful to anyone.

📖 📙A Great Book To Read On This Topic":

The Art of Giving and Receiving by Dr. John Townsend (2020) is a fantastic read for anyone looking to dive deeper into the transformative power of giving. Townsend, a psychologist, explores how giving—whether emotional, intellectual, or practical—builds stronger relationships and personal well-being. Through real-life stories and practical advice, he shows how to give authentically without burning out, emphasizing the balance between generosity and self-care. It’s a perfect guide for turning Rockefeller’s philosophy into a daily practice.

If you don’t have the time to read the book, try listening to it on Audible.

🗣️Let’s Connect:

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🤔What’s Next?

Next week, expect another dose of wisdom (maybe we will touch on Leadership or Gratitude?) to keep your momentum going. Stay tuned for exclusive insights you won’t find on my X feed!

Here’s to your constant progress!

Your friend,

Grant

Find me on 𝕏: @WiseWordsIQ

P.S. Want to dive deeper into learning? Check out Mindset by Carol Dweck—a game-changer for growth!

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