Maybe you’ve watched the movie Into the Wild, which tells the real-life story of Chris McCandless. The film profoundly affected me, and the song “Society” by Eddie Vedder became a personal anthem, influencing my journey in personal development.
One quote from Chris McCandless that has stayed with me is, “Happiness is only real when shared.” This sentiment has shaped my life and continues to guide my actions. I strive to embody this value, even though I sometimes doubt if I fully live up to it. My goal is to become someone who selflessly gives back to society, and I am constantly working towards this ideal.
A childhood memory that still resonates with me is from a trip to Dalat. I was around 7 or 8 years old, and at the bus stop, there were many beggars. I had saved 1,000 VND, but with so many people in need, I asked someone to help me exchange it into smaller denominations. Unfortunately, they could only break it into two 500 VND notes, allowing me to give to just two beggars. The sadness on the faces of those, brought me to tears.
Over the years, my approach to helping others has evolved. I no longer give money directly to beggars but instead look for more effective ways to contribute to society.
Friends have warned me about non-profit organizations (NPOs) and individuals who exploit the generosity of donors. While there’s a risk of my donations being misused, I believe it’s better to give imperfectly than not at all. I trust the organizations I support, even though I can’t guarantee they are flawless.
I’ve also heard skepticism about celebrities who promote charitable causes. To me, the critical point is the impact of their efforts. What matters is the outcome: the help reaching those in need.
If we all lose faith in the goodness of others, who will stand up for the voiceless? This conviction forms the core of my philosophy of life. According to Richard Layard in his book Happiness: Lessons from a New Science:
“Our happiness depends on our inner self and our philosophy of life. People who care about others are on average happier than those who are more preoccupied with themselves. More anxiety comes from striving to ‘do well’ for yourself than from striving to ‘do good’ for the world.”
This insight resonates deeply with me. I find immense joy in seeing the smiles and positive outcomes of the projects I support. Giving without expecting anything in return has filled my life with a lightness and happiness that’s hard to describe.
As I finish reading Layard’s book, I look forward to sharing more insights.
For now, I invite you to join me in making a difference.
Lynn By Linh 