Altruism as a hedonistic pleasure? Guest blog post: Mark Rubin

By: Mark Rubin

Founding Partner Mark Rubin will be writing a series of guest blog posts here at SVPGT. Mark will be sparking up conversations about giving and spreading the word, and we’re looking forward to his pearls of wisdom. Stay tuned for more!

I hope everyone is well and heading into holiday season mode.  I saw a column in the New York Times by Nicholas Kristof—a hero, who has done more to expose child abuse than anyone I know of—about being addicted to exercise.  Interesting, and it caught my eye because I can’t seem to stay off my treadmill!  Alas, I digress, for what really registered were six short paragraphs at the end of the column that focused on altruism as a hedonistic pleasure.  That’s right:  Giving can be pleasurable!!!  The link is here, and I’ll let you read for yourselves.

My point:  We really help our friends when we expose them to positive opportunities to share their time, talent and treasure with others.  So, as the giving season approaches, think about sharing with your friends the great experiences you’ve had with Social Venture Partners.  Spread the word, for it may be the best gift you can offer! –Mark Rubin