Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading

by Chris J. Anderson

From the bestselling author, media pioneer, and curator of TED, an inspiring book about one of humankind’s defining but overlooked impulses, and how we can super-charge its potential to build a hopeful future

“I flew through these pages with an increasing sense of joy. I hope that millions read this book.”—Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love

Let’s face Recent years have been tough on optimists. Hopes that the Internet might bring people together have been crushed by the ills of social media. Is there a way back?

As head of TED, Chris Anderson has had a ringside view of the world’s boldest thinkers sharing their most uplifting ideas. Inspired by them, he believes that it’s within our grasp to turn outrage back into optimism. It all comes down to reimagining one of the most fundamental human generosity. What if generosity could become infectious generosity? Consider 

• how a London barber began offering haircuts to people experiencing homelessness—and catalyzed a movement
• how two anonymous donors gave $10,000 each to two hundred strangers and discovered that most recipients wanted to “pay it forward” with their own generous acts
• how TED itself transformed from a niche annual summit into a global beacon of ideas by giving away talks online, allowing millions access to free learning

In telling these inspiring stories, Anderson has given us “the first page-turner ever written about human generosity” (Elizabeth Dunn). More important, he offers a playbook for how to embark on our own generous acts—whether gifts of money, time, talent, connection, or kindness—and to prime them, thanks to the Internet, to have self-replicating, even world-changing, impact.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology, Leadership, Audiobook

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2024

About the author

Chris Anderson has been the curator of TED since 2001. His TED mantra—“ideas worth spreading”—continues to blossom on an international scale, with some three billion TED Talks viewed annually. He lives in New York City and London.

Reviews

[Bejinha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author is the owner of TED Talks, and this book could have been an 18-minute talk. It probably was, and the fillers were added by the Penguin team.

However, the worst aspect of this book is that it advocates for generosity and charity as means to improve the world. I disagree. Donating the crumbs that fall from the tables of the wealthy is not how we will make things better, but rather how we will help maintain the status quo. That’s what it has being done.

Charity is when one takes more money than he needs and only gives back a portion, and only to those he chose, on his own terms. It doesn't change the system.

If someone wants to truly make a difference, instead of making donations to fill the gaps that the government has chosen not to address, it would be better to work alongside people to tackle the injustices that caused the disparity in the first place.

[Sivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 57%.

This is like the opposite of Digital Minimalism since it's all about how the Internet can spread infectious generosity, but it honestly just felt like a list of Anderson's favorite YouTube videos.

Also, I think Kate Honey, Anderson's research assistant, should have probably been listed as a co-author. In the acknowledgements, Anderson writes, "This book has been co-created by a host of talented, generous souls. Kate Honey spent months researching dozens of stories, turning a dry concept into a hopeful reality. Kate is brilliant, wise, and kind, and has contributed to the book in numerous ways." Months? Dozens? Turned your book idea into a reality? I get a feeling her "numerous ways" contributed a lot .🧐 I actually don't know of course, just a little hypothesis.
By the time I stopped reading she is also cited twice as having interviewed people from the "infectious generosity" stories.

[Momma Leighellen’s Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect book for me to start off my 2024 with.

I already knew I wanted this year to be different. I had already completed a 21 days of prayer and fasting. I had recently read the book Filterworld. I knew I wanted to live + create differently in these online spaces this year. I wanted to make an impact, be more joyful, spread more good news.

In Infectious Generosity, Chris Anderson - leader of the Ted Talks enterprise - walks us through all the ways generosity is contagious, all the good it brings, and the ways it can truly change the world. He provides loads of data and case studies, as well as real life examples of people he has met along the way.

It's inspiring and yet not at all overwhelming. He reminds us that it's not just MONEY that makes us generous. We can be generous with our time + talents, we can be a good listener, we can help share things we know. We can live a life of gratitude that can transform us.

[simona.citeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carte tradusă la Ed. Publica cu titlul Generozitate infecțioasă

Mi-a plăcut felul în care m-a făcut să mă simt povestindu-mi despre impactul pe care îl au mici gesturi de generozitate și cum acestea produc mari schimbări.

Vorbește atât despre generozitatea financiară cât și despre împărtășirea resurselor, timpului și cunoștințelor.

Eu am sărit peste părțile adresate oamenilor cu adevărat bogați și am citit capitolele cu care am putut rezona.

Este un titlu accesibil, ușor de abordat.

[Gijs Limonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars; expected more from this; lots of respect for Chris Anderson and his mission to spread 'ideas worth spreading', but besides the historical notes on the TED movement, this was a pretty bland and somewhat boring work on the myriad blessings of generosity; a certain magnanimity of spirit, a willingness to keep and maintain a 'giving' attidude as your default stance in life. Be sure to check out the excellent guide on presentation skills by the same author; TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking.

[Patty (IheartYA311) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book with an important message. This book was formatted well, inspiring, and easy to understand. I loved the parts that focused on nonmonetary generosity. Even an unexpected smile at a stranger can cause a ripple effect of kindness!

I won an advance uncorrected proof (otherwise I would have shared many fundamental quotes) from Goodreads. The opinions expressed above are my own.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about posting inspirational things on social media. Meh

[Lydia Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, Chris Anderson, is the head of TED, so it makes sense that this book reads like a very long TED Talk. It's a breezy, comfortable read with a profound sense of hope supported by numerous examples of individuals taking their own acts of generosity and amplifying them in different ways. As a member of a small nonprofit, I found much in this book to admire and perhaps emulate. Anderson's enthusiasm for the topic is evident on every page, and it's welcome in a media world that rewards cynicism.

I think this book could easily have been twice as long, to give many examples of generosity more in-depth attention, or to show a program from more angles, or to show some unintended negative consequences with suggestions for how to avoid them in the future. As it is, it's a good survey that feels very surface-level.

I have a concern on the brief section on ending anonymity on the internet. Anderson acknowledges that "people living under repressive regimes" have a need for internet anonymity, but doesn't mention victims of violent crimes, especially domestic violence. Survivors of DV may need to use the internet anonymously in order to get services and will likely need anonymity to prevent their abusers from tracking them down. I don't know how to balance transparency with personal safety and security of personal information, but I think it's too important not to address.

This was a giveaway of advanced uncorrected proofs, and there are some errors that need fixing, probably most notably on page 151 of my copy where the reader is directed to a "list of resources on page xx.. " Page xx exists, but the list of resources begins on page 225.

Overall, this was a well-written and informative book that has the potential to inspire readers to make a positive difference in the world and to find ways to make that generosity spread beyond local areas.

[❀ Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking book that inspires generosity, kindness and positivity in an effort to focus on inspiring stories rather than negative headlines.

Key thoughts:
- assume good intentions
- don’t judge until you know someone’s story
- find common ground
- give the gift of knowledge
- make connections to help others
- create a chain reaction of kindness (amplify these actions by sharing and expressing thanks)

This book leaves the reader reflecting on ways to be kind, be generous and make their community or the world a better place!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message is great in this book. All should read. However, as a read itself is just ok

[Sadie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinda feel like this was partly written using genAI.

Telling people (literally prescribing every single person a generosity goal) how to give is actually wild to me. Obviously good intent so I write this with peace and love.

Author, head of TED Talks, had a lot of religious guilt after an experience when he was 15 of someone who shared with him “ugh helping people is hard but it’s worth it”. That sparked an obsession/ guilt around generosity I guess.

Some ideas on scaling non profits were interesting but overall this reading experience was like a book-length article written by a self-righteous Buzzfeed media writer in 2015.

[Cheryl Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking in a good way

[Rachel Lauto · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at, like, 38%. The book version of a meeting that could’ve been an email. I had high hopes based off the concept, but really felt that it would have made a much better 10-minute talk than a full-length book. After a while I opted to abandon it and turn my attention to something better.

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first, I had reservations about this book. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be a lot of “toxic positivity”. There are a few times where the writing comes off that way, and I don’t agree with all of his arguments. That being said, I think the author does a decent job justifying the points he wants to make and overall advocates for each of us to do our part to make this world a better place.

Of note - I listened to this book on audio.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Infectious Generosity advocates many nice sounding, mostly impractical liberal ideas but seems to forget the obvious fact that for every giver there is a taker getting something for nothing.

[Nellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to come later. For now: Read this book.

[edit] This book is unbearably naive.

Doesn't the author understand that I don't have money? That I don't have time? Why isn't he insisting on implementing new tax laws so that the 1% can pay their fair share instead of expecting the rest of us to give all that we have?

All valid concerns and questions that I had as well. At points, I even found the author grating and unrealistic.

Here's the thing, though: his unflinching optimism eventually wormed its way into my heart, and I realized, with gritted teeth, that he's right. He's so, so right.

A few years ago, I read a very eye-opening article or post online about greed and individualism and the idea that "I don't owe the world anything". The truth of the matter is this, though: I owe the world everything I can possibly give.

No one made it completely on their own. We didn't always feed or clothe ourselves, and we most likely still don't grow all our own food or make all of our clothes. Artists painstakingly create the art we enjoy. Doctors study for years to ensure they can take care of our health. Teachers work tirelessly to give us knowledge. Some of it is our own doing, but not all of it. We are constantly helping each other, and, no, it doesn't matter if we're being rewarded for it through a paycheck or praise.

What matters is we're doing it and we're not doing it alone.

The system would collapse, otherwise. Humanity would not reach the heights that it has, otherwise. You would not be here, otherwise.

Think about that of Dr. Margaret Mead and her answer as to when we know civilization began: a healed broken femur.

We take care of each other, no matter the inconvenience. That is humanity.

And that invites a question: what am I doing in return for all of the generosity that's been bestowed upon me? That's gotten me here?

The answer is simple: I need to give back.

As the author outlines, it doesn't have to be monetary. We can be generous with our time by sharing our skills with those eager to learn and improve their own lives. We can be generous with our actions, opting to express our love of the people in our life through acts of service. And we can, most importantly and most easily, be generous with our words by uplifting and supporting others.

It does not matter what others are or aren't contributing. It only matters if you are.

So much of our generosity hinges on whether or not other people are being generous because we don't want to be left without, but, like we addressed earlier, no one would have anything if someone wasn't out there in the world being generous right now. It may not seem like it, but how often has it been drilled into us to be humble about our good deeds? To keep quiet about our generosity because it otherwise doesn't count?

But it does! It does count! And, like the author explains to us, it's a good thing when people know we are generous because it inspires them to be the same! By that logic, I'd say our generosity is worth even more when we are loud and proud about it!

It's hard to overcome. I know it makes me, personally, feel guilty and prideful, but we have to talk about it because we are at a point in history where much of what is presented to us in media and the internet is sensationalized negativity, and like with generosity, it only breeds even more negativity, ramping up hatred and divisiveness. A lack of willing generosity is tearing us apart. The only way to combat it is by being unbearably naive and gratingly optimistic. It's painful and embarrassing and it sometimes feels like you're losing but you have to do. You have to do it.

I will start. I donated $1,000 to my local humane society last year in a challenge to give away as much as I spent on frivolous things for myself. I didn't give away as much as I should have, but it was a start, and I intend to do even more this year. I want to give away more, and I want to earn my degree so I can fight to keep public libraries free and open, and I'm going to look into convincing my friends to do a volunteer project with me this year. Maybe I'll even base it on a catchy theme in hopes that others take up the challenge. I'm going to post about all of it in the hopes that generosity will be as infectious as this author claims it is, and I'm also going to rejoin social media and share at least one positive news story a week to my feed.

I have felt hopeless many times recently about the fate of the world, but it is my world just as much as it is those who are being less than generous and I will not willingly hand it off to them. I have to fight for it. We all do.

[Leonardo Longo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ainda seguindo a lista de recomendações de 2024 do Bill Gates, fiquei positivamente surpreso com o “Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading", onde o Chris Anderson apresenta um olhar otimista sobre a generosidade humana, mostrando como pequenos atos podem ter um impacto significativo no mundo.
O livro não se limita a teorias abstratas, ou exemplos que não são replicáveis. Chris Anderson oferece dicas práticas e exemplos reais (daí é legal assistir aos TED Talks) de como ser mais generoso com tempo, atenção e dinheiro.
Um dos momentos mais legais da leitura foi encontrar a história do artista Mundano, meu colega de ESPM, como um exemplo de generosidade contagiante. Acompanhar sua trajetória e ver seu trabalho reconhecido internacionalmente me encheu de orgulho e reforçou a importância de usar nossos talentos para impactar positivamente a sociedade.
Recomendo "Infectious Generosity" para quem busca inspiração e dicas acionáveis para cultivar a generosidade.

[George Scholey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge fan of TED and Chris Anderson, and you genuinely can’t knock the message he’s trying to get across. It’s entirely refreshing and optimistic as he discusses the power of the internet in spreading generosity on a global scale (despite coming across outlandish at parts) and makes philanthropy feel beautifully accessible. The passion is palpable in his writing and it’s very readable (it actually reads a lot like the structure of a TED talk). Ultimately, though, I found the call-to-action slightly bizarre and felt it could have been shorter to avoid repetition. Worth a read, though!

[Jay Batson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important book at a time when "self care" (self-centeredness), or "pay attention to me" (influencers) abounds in world culture. The way I see the core message of the book is "It's not about you; it's how can you step way outside your comfort zone and be generous - with your time, attention, love, care, financial and other resources - to others in preference to yourself." A great quote from the book: 'Are you a net giver or a net taker'?"

I'm pleased in another sense: It's my (considered christian) opinion that our culture has given up on the Millennia of accumulated acceptance that Godly principles are valuable. Unfortunately, the world is trending post-religion (which is one of the drivers for selfishness / self-attention). While the author (Chris) doesn't advocate to a return to faith, he does cite Alain de Botton, an athiest, who argues that “…we should be wary of throwing out all the accoutrements of religion, even if we no longer believe its fundamental stories." Continuing, "Isn't it odd, for example, that pretty much every religion recommends that its followers meet at least weekly to be reminded of their religious and moral duties? Perhaps humans need those regular nudges to increase their chances of doing the right thing." And "Now that we've let much of that (church-going) go - certainly in most Western nations - is it a suprise that civic duty is also in decline?" Hear hear. The effort to push the boundaries of how much of religion can be dispose of has pushed those boundaries too-far, and we lose so much life-value in doing so. (And of course, my recommended solution is to go back & do the hard work to revisit Christian faith, and see that there's actually a there there.)

Regardless of your faith position, this book is useful for people broadly. For me, I feel somewhat comfortable that I'm already practicing many of the principles in the book, and am already experiencing deep rewards. Examples:
- I've spent over a decade volunteering my time to help startup companies get off the ground as part of the Techstars accelerator. Techstars plasters #GiveFirst all over the walls, which arises from its "Mentor Manifesto" which expressly says "Give first, and expect nothing in return." Brad Feld wrote in detail about all 18 elements of the Manifesto (and I actually wrote the last 2 detailed items; and in fact, the Mentor Manifesto quite interestingly parallels many of the suggestions the author makes in this book!) But the other side of that coin is that you can be amazingly surprised at what you get in return if you simply go in without expectation of transactional return. I can't tell you how many founders have told me their lives, and their company changed for the better as a result of me & the other mentors simply offering our time, attention, and support. The returns to #giveFirst are immeasurable and wonderful.
- I'm not bashful about my christian faith, and my wife & I happily give 10%+ of all our income / gains away as tithe. We have a trust that we use to be intentional about direct giving to all kinds of places, such as Biologos which provides resources & community for scientists / physicians / ... who want to deepen their Christian faith yet live surrounded by skeptics. Having a trust do it allows us to give anonymously, which keeps a check / balance on our motivation. We have a core mission to our trust: To give generously when a need is placed in front of us upon which we think we can have a meaningful positive effect, especially when the target of the giving supports the effort to "teach someone to fish for themselves after first giving them a fish to eat". And similar to the Techstars experience above, our assessment of the impact we have feels we're doing it right.

So, reinforcing an assertion in the book, we receive happiness from the mere act of giving, and giving not just a little bit; going beyond the token gift.

But, importantly, it's not just about money. I love that the author speaks of simply "shifting (your) attention away from yourself, to others." I LOVE stopping talking, and making space to hear people's stories without even responding to them; just let people speak. Sometimes it's taking time to ask a waiter/waitress at the end of a shift when you sense that they just wish somebody would listen to what's happening in their life right then, and not trying to "match" it with my own story. Listening to people talk deeply about themselves has become a It's a huge joy for me. Interestingly, I've tried to encourage others to do the same, but it's been difficult; it's so easy now for person A to use "asking questions of person B" as a launching pad to give person A a platform to talk about themselves. We are indeed a self-obsessed world now.

So all-in-all, I'm really happy to see that the author has taken time to bring into one place a set of principles about giving of one's self & resources that are increasingly important, and increasingly disappearing from our culture. I particularly like the specific list of bullets on how to model generous behavior (on P152) and the "annual checkup" on P207). I'm adding the latter to my annual personal review! I support pretty much every suggestion, and can easily recommend this book to others.

Rated 5 on my scale (see https://startupdj.com/book-rating-rules)

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and optimistic read. Author provides applicable tips to living a life dedicated to generosity and philanthropy. Certain tips are slightly outlandish but for the most part they are attainable and give hope.

[Téa Cushman]

I like/agree with the principle of this book and was interested to hear about the examples of exponentially expanding small acts of generosity. In general, it was a good reminder to give more of my time and resources to others and simply approach each day with a mindset of putting something good into the world. I will say however, Anderson’s approach to financial generosity was very reactive and somewhat sympathetic to the mega wealthy which I just can’t get behind.

[Molly McDermott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by the head of TED totally read like a long engaging TED talk! I’d love to will this all into reality. A super fast, engaging, hopeful read

[Danielle Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, I didn’t feel like there were that many practical ideas in here

[Joel Hollingsworth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish this. The title was compelling, but the content just didn't live up to the promise of the title.

[Plantpowerlupie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good premise, but it just wasn’t what I expected. It was mainly focused on using the internet, social media, AI, group think, and companies etc to further generosities. Nothing wrong with that if it’s doing good in the world, but I was just hoping for more of a hands on personal generosity book I guess…

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book explores the idea that generosity can change the world and offers a "why, how and what if" approach to the subject, and how to move forward.

Maybe a little "bright-sided" for my tastes but it's worth a look.

[Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

PART ONE: WHY
Why Infectious Generosity’s time has come…
1. Inside a Contagion
The surprising aftermath of a decision to give
In the early stages of TED, the organization’s journey towards amplifying generosity through
the Internet was not straightforward. As a media entrepreneur, I began by creating hobbyist
magazines focused on technology in both the UK and US. My first encounter with the TED
conference in 1998 revealed its potential to connect diverse fields such as technology,
entertainment, and design, elevating the significance of these areas in unexpected ways.
By 2001, the opportunity to take over TED arose. However, financial limitations, due to the
dot-com bust, prevented me from purchasing it outright. Instead, TED became part of a not-
for-profit foundation I had created. This change made it crucial to find ways to reach a
broader audience with the conference's inspiring talks.
## The Experiment of Radical Openness
Initially, we attempted to persuade television networks to broadcast TED Talks, but they
rejected the idea, deeming public lectures unappealing. The solution came from the Internet,
where bandwidth improvements were gradually making online video viable. In 2006, we
decided to experiment by releasing six TED Talks on our website. To our surprise, these talks
rapidly gained tens of thousands of views, a substantial increase compared to the few
hundred visitors we typically attracted. Viewer feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with
many expressing deep inspiration from the talks.
The unexpected success of this experiment created a dilemma: as a nonprofit, TED had an
obligation to share knowledge freely, but there was concern that giving away content might
discourage people from attending the conference. Despite this risk, we proceeded with
making the talks freely available online.
The response was astonishing. Our community of conference attendees, far from opposing
the move, largely embraced it. More surprising was the reaction from online viewers, many
of whom were moved to support the speakers and help spread their ideas. The result was a
surge in website traffic and global interest in TED.
## Generosity Unleashed
One of the most unexpected consequences was the emergence of volunteer translators who
wanted to make TED Talks accessible in other languages. We set up a system to facilitate this,
and over the years, tens of thousands of volunteers have translated talks into more than 100
languages. This act of generosity from volunteers transformed TED from a niche conference
to a global platform.
Our decision to give away content not only increased our visibility but also attracted
sponsorships and other forms of revenue, leading to a tenfold increase in income within three
years. This unexpected windfall enabled us to explore new possibilities for the organization.
One of our guiding principles, which we referred to as “radical openness,” soon became
synonymous with infectious generosity. The Internet had shown us that by giving away
valuable content, we could receive far more in return than we ever anticipated.
## Spreading the Brand
Inspired by the success of sharing content, we looked for other ways to expand TED’s reach.
One major initiative was the creation of a fellows program, which brought extraordinary
individuals to TED who otherwise could not afford to attend. One of the early fellows, Logan
Smalley, launched TED-Ed, a program aimed at educating learners of all ages through
animated videos. TED-Ed has since produced more than 1,500 videos, reaching millions of homes and schools worldwide.
However, our boldest move came with the decision to give away the TED brand itself. People
had expressed interest in hosting TED conferences in their own cities, so we issued free
licenses allowing them to organize TEDx events. These local, self-organized events quickly
multiplied, and today, TEDx events have been held in locations ranging from universities to
prisons to rainforests.
At the time, some business advisers questioned the wisdom of this move. Harvard Business
Review even published an article titled “When TED Lost Control of Its Crowd,” highlighting
the risks involved. Yet the “loss” of control was intentional, and over time, local organizers
gained invaluable experience, learning from one another. TEDx brought voices to the world
that we might never have discovered on our own, with speakers like Brené Brown and Simon
Sinek rising to prominence through these events.
The impact of this decision is evident today, with more than 25,000 TEDx events having been
held worldwide, creating an archive of over 200,000 talks viewed by more than a billion people
annually. What makes this even more remarkable is that the entire operation is run by a central
team of just 12 people. This success could not have been achieved through traditional means;
it was made possible by the power of infectious generosity.
## Ripple Effects of Generosity
The ripple effects of generosity continue to astonish us. One of the original six talks released
online was by Sir Ken Robinson, who argued that schools should foster creativity in children.
This talk, viewed by millions, has inspired educators around the world and even led to the
founding of a new school in New York by the Blue Man Group.
A particularly powerful example of generosity’s ripple effect comes from India, where
university student Supriya Paul, inspired by Sir Ken’s talk, co-founded Josh Talks with her
friend Shobhit Banga. The platform shares motivational stories in regional languages, raising
aspirations among lower-income communities. As of 2023, Josh Talks reaches more than 50
million people every month, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond its original purpose.
One story from Josh Talks exemplifies this impact. A young man named Manish, who had lost
his home to floods in Bihar, India, was inspired by a Josh Talks video to start teaching children
in his village. His efforts have since grown into a successful coaching institute, helping students
pass critical exams and creating a new wave of ripple effects in his community.
## The Multiplier Effect
Some may argue that TED’s success is unique, but I believe the principles we’ve learned apply
broadly. The connected era we live in changes the rules of generosity, making it possible for
anyone, individual or organization, to have an outsized impact. The power of generosity,
amplified through technology, can inspire, educate, and create ripples that extend across the
globe.
TED’s journey demonstrates how giving away valuable ideas can lead to unimaginable
rewards, not just for the giver but for the world at large. As we continue to explore new ways
to share knowledge, the ripple effects of generosity will only grow, shaping the future in ways
we cannot yet foresee.

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chris Anderson's book "Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading" takes an expansive look into human generosity and examines how it can be increased. It is an interesting and laudable topic on the surface, but as I read the book, some of Anderson's ideas, left me in disagreement and genuine concern for their implementation.

In a nutshell, Anderson advocates for the use of our modern technology, specifically social media, as a tool to amplify our everyday acts of generosity. He champions the use of social media in this way, which is fine, but then goes on to say that, in some ways, you are actually obligated to do this. He says that amplifying your act of generosity by essentially publicizing it to as large an audience as possible, in order to create a ripple effect of downstream generosity, is something that you may be morally obligated to do. He encourages you to architect all acts of generosity in this way, to take advantage of the natural human response to engage. Is that generosity or social engineering through behavior manipulation? It's hard to say.

Anderson wants all those who are able, to give generously, and to not only do so, but let the world know you are doing so. Nowhere in the book is the idea of privacy given serious consideration, or the very real idea that social media has a nasty way of creating unintended consequences. I believe Anderson may be a bit naive when it comes to the downside of human nature, and this gives the book a "pie in the sky" type of optimism. It it an interesting subject matter, but the book felt poor executed, at least for me.

[Christine Årdal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a well-intentioned book that I fear will result in negative unintended consequences. I agree with other critiques that regulation and government policies (funded through fair taxes) are better vehicles to achieve many of the outcomes Anderson sets out. I fear that Anderson is actually calling for even more internet influencers, labeled “generous influencers “. Already our children aspire to be influencers, attracted by the glamour, popularity, and money. Political parties engage influencers, with unknown financing streams, to support political policies, instead of listening to subject-matter experts. This is not the way forward. Sorry, but the world needs fewer influencers and more scientists, engineers, electricians, and skilled and trained individuals. The internet is a tool which children need to be taught to use, it is not “good” nor “bad”. This book focuses too parochially on internet content, the world of TED.

[Stefan Reisner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read the kindle sample which covers the first two chapters. Reading the introduction, the familiar TED talk sentiment set in: feeling inspired, elated, motivated - but something in the back of the mind nags you asking if it’s not all too good to be true skipping the hard parts of reality that hit when off the TED stage.
What really hooked me though was reading the first chapter’s historical account of how TED became what we know and the outstanding examples of generosity that created lasting change in the world for the better.
I think I will leave it at that and not read the full book because there is so much else to read, but I might gift it to people as a great inspirational treat.