The late Sir Alec Dickson, who founded Britain's Voluntary Service Overseas (the model for the Peace Corps) and Community Service Volunteers, believed that everyone, no matter how difficult their current circumstanes, had something of value to give.
Many of their volunteers might just as easily have been on the receiving end of a helping relationship. But Sir Alec knew that not only the recipients, but also the volunteers, benefited. Why? Because people like to give. It boosts their self-esteem, their self-worth, their self-confidence.
Of course there are the few people, the takers, who will never feel this, but, fortunately, they are in the minority.
So, for today, I am grateful for those who give.
I love the history stories you bring to this blog. It is nice to give and to feel of value.
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