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Try giving yourself away;: Greater happiness--now
A businessman decides to take up the "hobby" of helping others and writes a classic book of service, attention, gratitude and the joy of giving yourself away. This is an obscure little book, originally published in the 1940's that is a joy and inspiration to read. A real gem.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1970
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282 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 17, 2025
You can’t help but feel happy when you read this book! Excellent advice and an uplifting tone too
August 31, 2017
The concept was simple - do things for others when you notice a need or a way to help someone feel good and so on. But I love how each concept was illustrated with anecdotes to show how we might implement this practice in our lives and thus be happier.
November 2, 2023
This book, originally written in 1957, gives some good advice to make the world around you a better place. Although I believe the writer was a Christian (or at the very least, adhered to a Christian worldview), the overall thrust of the book was twofold: 1) things you can do to make your life much happier, and 2) things you can do to make the world around you a better place to live. And although I believe the principles espoused do help to make that twofold goal a reality, without tethering one's motives to a higher plane (i.e., serve others as if you are serving Christ), the tenets are basically "self-help" principles by bringing smiles to other people's lives. I am very much in favor of making the world around me a better place to live by my actions. However, in my opinion, the book lacked that kind of depth for a long, sustaining life-changing way to live.
That's not to say that the book didn't have its merit. Some of the principles and illustrations given by the author were apropros in 1957 and today in 2023 for they are timeless principles. For instance, Dunn quotes Ralph Waldo Emerson about giving yourself away: "Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself."
I tend to be an enthusiastic, outgoing, "live life to be a blessing to others" type of personality. Due to that, I found myself agreeing with much of what the author had to say. Those that struggle to make a difference or have a hard time figuring out how to be a blessing to others might find this book a huge help to them.
I loved the format of the book in that each chapter was only 2-4 pages long with a simple thought paired often with a personal illustration by the author. The chapter entitled "The Gracious Art of Receiving" (see quotes below from this chapter) resonated with me as so many people struggle with graciously receiving a gift. They often don't stop to think of anyone but themselves (and definitely not the giver) when they act this way. Great truths from the author in that chapter!
Here are some quotes from the book I found particularly poignant:
"Doing what you can to make life more livable for other people makes your own life more fuller." p. 20
"The fact is, no retired man needs to be bored. He has but to find-or to use his imagination or resourcefulness to create-useful ways to give away his retirement." pl 36
"Whenever we meet a person who is genuinely enthusiastic, it gives us a lift. Such people are givers-of-themselves and are welcome wherever they go, because they make life more interesting." p. 38
"Here is good news for those to whom enthusiasm does not come naturally: It can be cultivated." p. 39
"When we live narrowly unto ourselves, we have only one person working for us. When we are habitually thoughtful of others, a great many people are working and pulling for us." p. 54
"We know how much we appreciate notes from friends, but we do not stop often enough to think how much they would appreciate notes from us." p. 56
"Money and fame can represent a curious form of poverty-the poverty of the human spirit when left to itself...money and fame are only wealth in relation to people. Yet, oddly enough, they tend to insulate their owners from their fellow human beings...satisfactions of the spirit do not come from material possessions or from costly living, but from friendly human experiences. And these have to be given; seldom can they be bought." p. 85
"It takes bigness of spirit to praise the great and the successful instead of envying them." p. 88
"In the world's attics, basements, cupboards, and bureau drawers are millions of dollars' worth of perfectly good things-furniture, clothing, linens, curtains, tools, toys, baby things, luggage, electrical equipment, cooking utensils, porch and garden furniture-just taking up room and collecting dust year after year. They are not serving us, and in most cases might better be given to someone who can use them now." p. 113
On the Gracious Art of Receiving, Chapter 35, pp. 117-121
"If you find pleasure in giving, so do others. You have only to stop and think how you feel when your giving is rebuffed or looked upon with suspicion, or when someone is slow to enter into the spirit of it, to realize how important it is to accept and acknowledge graciously the thoughtfulnesses of others toward you."
"Sincere compliments are among the finest gifts we can make, the most hungered for, and the most appreciated by nearly all of us. Yet how few of us have learned to receive a compliment gracefully. Instead, we too often clumsily bat it back by making an awkward disclaimer which spoils the pleasure for both parties."
------------------------------------------------------
"Most of the scoffers will be men and women who are con- vinced that getting their own way, getting the best of every bargain, getting credit for everything they do, getting ahead at the expense of other people-in short, "getting theirs" - is the only sensible way to go through life.
They are the people who absorb all the compliments you give them, but never give any in return; who always let you reach for the check; who criticize other people yet deeply resent any criticism of themselves; who expect others to go out of their way to do things for them, but never volunteer to do anything in return.
They are the world's absorbers. Their whole philosophy of life is to Get-Get-Get. They do not know the meaning of the word GIVE. Such people are apt to discover, too late, that an all-getting life is only half living." p.136-137
That's not to say that the book didn't have its merit. Some of the principles and illustrations given by the author were apropros in 1957 and today in 2023 for they are timeless principles. For instance, Dunn quotes Ralph Waldo Emerson about giving yourself away: "Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself."
I tend to be an enthusiastic, outgoing, "live life to be a blessing to others" type of personality. Due to that, I found myself agreeing with much of what the author had to say. Those that struggle to make a difference or have a hard time figuring out how to be a blessing to others might find this book a huge help to them.
I loved the format of the book in that each chapter was only 2-4 pages long with a simple thought paired often with a personal illustration by the author. The chapter entitled "The Gracious Art of Receiving" (see quotes below from this chapter) resonated with me as so many people struggle with graciously receiving a gift. They often don't stop to think of anyone but themselves (and definitely not the giver) when they act this way. Great truths from the author in that chapter!
Here are some quotes from the book I found particularly poignant:
"Doing what you can to make life more livable for other people makes your own life more fuller." p. 20
"The fact is, no retired man needs to be bored. He has but to find-or to use his imagination or resourcefulness to create-useful ways to give away his retirement." pl 36
"Whenever we meet a person who is genuinely enthusiastic, it gives us a lift. Such people are givers-of-themselves and are welcome wherever they go, because they make life more interesting." p. 38
"Here is good news for those to whom enthusiasm does not come naturally: It can be cultivated." p. 39
"When we live narrowly unto ourselves, we have only one person working for us. When we are habitually thoughtful of others, a great many people are working and pulling for us." p. 54
"We know how much we appreciate notes from friends, but we do not stop often enough to think how much they would appreciate notes from us." p. 56
"Money and fame can represent a curious form of poverty-the poverty of the human spirit when left to itself...money and fame are only wealth in relation to people. Yet, oddly enough, they tend to insulate their owners from their fellow human beings...satisfactions of the spirit do not come from material possessions or from costly living, but from friendly human experiences. And these have to be given; seldom can they be bought." p. 85
"It takes bigness of spirit to praise the great and the successful instead of envying them." p. 88
"In the world's attics, basements, cupboards, and bureau drawers are millions of dollars' worth of perfectly good things-furniture, clothing, linens, curtains, tools, toys, baby things, luggage, electrical equipment, cooking utensils, porch and garden furniture-just taking up room and collecting dust year after year. They are not serving us, and in most cases might better be given to someone who can use them now." p. 113
On the Gracious Art of Receiving, Chapter 35, pp. 117-121
"If you find pleasure in giving, so do others. You have only to stop and think how you feel when your giving is rebuffed or looked upon with suspicion, or when someone is slow to enter into the spirit of it, to realize how important it is to accept and acknowledge graciously the thoughtfulnesses of others toward you."
"Sincere compliments are among the finest gifts we can make, the most hungered for, and the most appreciated by nearly all of us. Yet how few of us have learned to receive a compliment gracefully. Instead, we too often clumsily bat it back by making an awkward disclaimer which spoils the pleasure for both parties."
------------------------------------------------------
"Most of the scoffers will be men and women who are con- vinced that getting their own way, getting the best of every bargain, getting credit for everything they do, getting ahead at the expense of other people-in short, "getting theirs" - is the only sensible way to go through life.
They are the people who absorb all the compliments you give them, but never give any in return; who always let you reach for the check; who criticize other people yet deeply resent any criticism of themselves; who expect others to go out of their way to do things for them, but never volunteer to do anything in return.
They are the world's absorbers. Their whole philosophy of life is to Get-Get-Get. They do not know the meaning of the word GIVE. Such people are apt to discover, too late, that an all-getting life is only half living." p.136-137
February 25, 2024
Short, thought-provoking chapters that drive home a powerful message. Be prepared to do something about what you read in this book.
May 18, 2015
This is a WONDERFUL book that will definitely improve your life and others' lives. My bishop recommended it to me when I asked what I can do to better serve those around me, and this book was definitely the answer. The author uses short chapters to explain simple concepts and offer examples that can help you "give yourself away" by helping others. I quickly summarized the chapters after I finished the book, and you can read them below if you're interested. I highly recommend it!
1- Make giving-away a hobby, constantly look for opportunities to help others / make the world better
2- When something catches your eye that you enjoy, express your appreciation to the person responsible for it
3- It's not about giving money or things, it's about giving yourself
4- Obey your warm-hearted impulses before you convince yourself not to
5- Selflessness enriches our daily lives
6- Your small acts of kindness can go a long way
7- Make use of your personal character and talents to serve others
8- Find/make time to give to others
9- Give with a good spirit, timeliness, and enthusiasm
10- Kindness, thoughtfulness, courtesy, consideration, and good nature are gifts you can consistently give to others
11- Tolerance (not being judgmental) is another gift
12- Consider writing and mailing a note to a friend or acquaintance (or less formally through social media)
13- Make it a habit to express gratitude to others
14- Express "little sparks of appreciation" to those you interact with
15- Use depth and specificity when expressing appreciation to others
16- Become a "noticer" to increase your opportunities to give yourself away
17- Practice being an interested and engaged listener; it will bring great joy to those who are sharing what's important to them, even though it might not be as important to you
18- Express appreciation even to those who are wealthy or well-known
19- Giving yourself away nearly always lifts your spirit and improves your mood
20- Look for ways to serve in group settings as well as with individuals
21- Don't fall for the "bystander effect"; take the initiative to improve your community
22- Give people credit for a job well done, in the presence of others when possible
23- Share your surpluses with others
24- Learn how to be a gracious receiver of gifts and compliments
25- Build up others instead of tearing them down
26- Ideas for teenagers to help family and others
27- Don't let the occasional rebuffs (people's negative reactions to your selflessness) get you down
28- Giving-away will bring a "glow" to your life
29- Find happiness in the journey, not the destination
30- Giving-away becomes second nature over time
31- Avoid self-consciousness and embrace a spirit of good will when serving others
32- Once you're converted to giving-away, help others do it as well!
1- Make giving-away a hobby, constantly look for opportunities to help others / make the world better
2- When something catches your eye that you enjoy, express your appreciation to the person responsible for it
3- It's not about giving money or things, it's about giving yourself
4- Obey your warm-hearted impulses before you convince yourself not to
5- Selflessness enriches our daily lives
6- Your small acts of kindness can go a long way
7- Make use of your personal character and talents to serve others
8- Find/make time to give to others
9- Give with a good spirit, timeliness, and enthusiasm
10- Kindness, thoughtfulness, courtesy, consideration, and good nature are gifts you can consistently give to others
11- Tolerance (not being judgmental) is another gift
12- Consider writing and mailing a note to a friend or acquaintance (or less formally through social media)
13- Make it a habit to express gratitude to others
14- Express "little sparks of appreciation" to those you interact with
15- Use depth and specificity when expressing appreciation to others
16- Become a "noticer" to increase your opportunities to give yourself away
17- Practice being an interested and engaged listener; it will bring great joy to those who are sharing what's important to them, even though it might not be as important to you
18- Express appreciation even to those who are wealthy or well-known
19- Giving yourself away nearly always lifts your spirit and improves your mood
20- Look for ways to serve in group settings as well as with individuals
21- Don't fall for the "bystander effect"; take the initiative to improve your community
22- Give people credit for a job well done, in the presence of others when possible
23- Share your surpluses with others
24- Learn how to be a gracious receiver of gifts and compliments
25- Build up others instead of tearing them down
26- Ideas for teenagers to help family and others
27- Don't let the occasional rebuffs (people's negative reactions to your selflessness) get you down
28- Giving-away will bring a "glow" to your life
29- Find happiness in the journey, not the destination
30- Giving-away becomes second nature over time
31- Avoid self-consciousness and embrace a spirit of good will when serving others
32- Once you're converted to giving-away, help others do it as well!
July 19, 2016
This is a fabulous old, small book. If we would all read this little book, and follow the instructions/advice in this book, the world would be a better place. Written around 1947, the message is need now more than ever.
January 4, 2018
Хорошее рождественское чтение и вообще отличная книга! В этой короткой книге, которая выросла из заметки в Forbes, автор делится своим необычным хобби, делать небольшие добрые дела, и удовольствием от него.
Книга есть в сети в электронной форме.
Книга есть в сети в электронной форме.
December 17, 2007
I read it, then I lived it, I still do..fvp
August 14, 2012
Life is not a process of getting, but a process of giving away. What can you do to make someone else's life better?
December 25, 2012
This is an easy-read; must read again book. There are great suggestions as to how to give to others and find more happiness. Don't miss it!
April 23, 2014
Loved the simplicity of this book.
February 7, 2014
A great book on GIVING. I think that everyone should read this short book at some time in their life.
March 7, 2016
A great book, easy read. Gives good ideas to make life better for people.
June 11, 2018
A small compliment can be a good thing.
December 30, 2023
This morning I turned the last page of this very beautiful book. It is a very quick read, but a very wide and deep one. I have read this book several times, and each time I do, I feel very moved and resolve to put into practice what the author is describing.
This book was published in 1947, I have also read that it was published in 1923. The author originally did an article pm this for the Readers Digest, and perhaps the article was in 1923 with the book in 1947. Regardless, it is absolutely timeless.
The whole idea he has about giving yourself away is the concept of kindness, tolerance, showing appreciation, and other different ways. He describes the concept of “giving yourself away” as his hobby. He talks about how good he feels inside when he offers kindness to people. He gives examples of how he wrote to a store to let them know what great service he had, or telling somebody how much he enjoyed their meal, and giving specifics as to what was tasty. He talked about a friend who has a stamp collection, and he spent time with his friend asking specific questions about the stamps. Seeing how much joy his friend got talking about his hobby, he himself felt joyful.
There’s really no way that I can capture all the wonderful ideas in this book. He shows the reader so many ways that you can give yourself away. How much the world can change if we approach each other in the same spirit. He tells the reader that when you do these kind things, if you expect something back then that really isn’t giving. The idea is to truly do these acts of kindness for the sake of the kindness. He says, though that your life will change immeasurably.
I found this book years ago at a secondhand store for just a few dollars. It motivates me so, and I have read it several times now each time with fresh eyes for things I have forgotten. David Dunn I am sure has passed away. But through his book he continues to give himself away with his wonderful ideas. I wish I could write him a thank you letter for this great book. But perhaps the real thanks I can give him is to share his hobby and give myself away.
I recommend this book, highly. As the cover says for all those who read it and practice the teachings we will all have “greater happiness now”.
This book was published in 1947, I have also read that it was published in 1923. The author originally did an article pm this for the Readers Digest, and perhaps the article was in 1923 with the book in 1947. Regardless, it is absolutely timeless.
The whole idea he has about giving yourself away is the concept of kindness, tolerance, showing appreciation, and other different ways. He describes the concept of “giving yourself away” as his hobby. He talks about how good he feels inside when he offers kindness to people. He gives examples of how he wrote to a store to let them know what great service he had, or telling somebody how much he enjoyed their meal, and giving specifics as to what was tasty. He talked about a friend who has a stamp collection, and he spent time with his friend asking specific questions about the stamps. Seeing how much joy his friend got talking about his hobby, he himself felt joyful.
There’s really no way that I can capture all the wonderful ideas in this book. He shows the reader so many ways that you can give yourself away. How much the world can change if we approach each other in the same spirit. He tells the reader that when you do these kind things, if you expect something back then that really isn’t giving. The idea is to truly do these acts of kindness for the sake of the kindness. He says, though that your life will change immeasurably.
I found this book years ago at a secondhand store for just a few dollars. It motivates me so, and I have read it several times now each time with fresh eyes for things I have forgotten. David Dunn I am sure has passed away. But through his book he continues to give himself away with his wonderful ideas. I wish I could write him a thank you letter for this great book. But perhaps the real thanks I can give him is to share his hobby and give myself away.
I recommend this book, highly. As the cover says for all those who read it and practice the teachings we will all have “greater happiness now”.
October 23, 2021
This book was a little cheesy at times, but it offered valuable life perspective and practical advice to make your life and others’ lives happier. It was originally published in 1947, and the version I read was published in 1970. It’s amazing how much times have changed, but really stayed the same. As my 11th grade American history teacher used to say, “Nothing new under the sun, people.”
February 14, 2024
Very inspirational, and aside from the insights it provides, the content of this book should really be common sense and common practice.
Thanks to my good friend, who introduced this book to me, I have started giving (more of) myself away from today onwards!
Thanks to my good friend, who introduced this book to me, I have started giving (more of) myself away from today onwards!
June 11, 2021
Such a beautiful book.
March 9, 2022
Wish I could have found the 1940's forbes article to read instead
February 17, 2025
Practical tips on treating others the way you would want to be treated.
December 29, 2022
This is a favorite book I read MANY years ago. I wasn't able to find my copy when a man in my LDS ward who also loves the book asked me if he could borrow my copy. Therefore, I went searching and found a copy for both him and me at EBAY. I read the book again today--it only takes a few hours to read it--and loved it as much as I did the first time! So many wonderful ideas on how to give to others.
Merged review:
This book is one of my most beloved treasures!
September 9, 2021: I read this book at least a couple of times many years ago. Then a number of years ago a friend reminded me of this book, and I read it again. Then just recently I was reminded of it again when I was given an assignment related to giving. It is such a wonderful book!!! It was fun to see as I read it this time that I had actually put some ideas into practice over the years. This is a book that I would recommend to everyone!!!
Merged review:
This book is one of my most beloved treasures!
September 9, 2021: I read this book at least a couple of times many years ago. Then a number of years ago a friend reminded me of this book, and I read it again. Then just recently I was reminded of it again when I was given an assignment related to giving. It is such a wonderful book!!! It was fun to see as I read it this time that I had actually put some ideas into practice over the years. This is a book that I would recommend to everyone!!!
December 17, 2014
A great, quick read!
- "Obey your warm-hearted impulses" - don't put them off or they'll never happen!
- Thank-you notes for good service/appreciation & notes to friends to encourage, etc.
- "Give yourself 'in kind'" - give what you're good at - others will appreciate it.
- Give your time
- "Sincere compliments are among the finest gifts in the world, the most hungered for and the most appreciated by nearly all of us."
- "When we do everything in our power to build up other people, we build ourselves too, in character, reputation and self-respect."
- "Obey your warm-hearted impulses" - don't put them off or they'll never happen!
- Thank-you notes for good service/appreciation & notes to friends to encourage, etc.
- "Give yourself 'in kind'" - give what you're good at - others will appreciate it.
- Give your time
- "Sincere compliments are among the finest gifts in the world, the most hungered for and the most appreciated by nearly all of us."
- "When we do everything in our power to build up other people, we build ourselves too, in character, reputation and self-respect."
January 19, 2013
The essence of this book is be a good person. It has changed my life. Often that praise is coupled with books that they hardly remember. This book genuinly changed how I live. It gave me a different view on what it means to think about other people, and how you can give gifts and the effects it can have. It gets redudant after awhile though which is why I just gave it 3 stars. Great book and great author.
April 27, 2014
If everyone read this book, surely the world would be a happier place.
Dunn convincingly explains how the act of helping or praising someone not only lifts their spirits, but provides the giver with a surge of happiness. Look for ways to give yourself away and you'll find that in doing so, you'll live a happier life.
Dunn convincingly explains how the act of helping or praising someone not only lifts their spirits, but provides the giver with a surge of happiness. Look for ways to give yourself away and you'll find that in doing so, you'll live a happier life.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews