The bestselling author media pioneer and curator of TED explores one of humankind’s defining
but overlooked impulses and how we can super-charge its potential to build a hopeful future—an
essential read to kick off the new year” (Forbes 16 Must Have Books and Podcasts for Leaders
in 2024”) 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 it: 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 virtues: 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.
