Thrift and Generosity Summary:

In these difficult economic times, thrift may seem like a necessity, rather than a route to joy. But in this handbook, the reader learns about the virtue of thrift, and how, in combination with gratitude and generosity, it can lead to deep, lasting contentment.

The book explores the qualities that distinguish thriftiness from merely being cheap; it looks at thrift and wisdom, thrift and gratitude, thrift and ethical standards, and thrift and hard work. With references from the Bible, literature, poetry, and philosophy, as well as examples from daily life, thrift is shown to be more than just understanding the bottom line. Indeed, thrift is part of a religious and cultural understanding of how we use our time, our talents, and our resources.

As inherently virtuous as thrifty living is, its capacity for leading to deep joy is severely limited if its goals are self-serving. On the other hand, when thrift is combined with the virtue of generosity, when empathy opens the doors for channeling the thriftiness to generosity, then the potential for good is greatly magnified.

On thrift: “The safest way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket.”—Kin Hubbard

On generosity: “A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you roses.”—Chinese proverb.

On thrift and generosity together: “There is a wonderful law of nature that the three things we crave the most in life—happiness, freedom, and peace of mind—are always obtained by giving them to someone else.”—Payton March


About the Author:

John M. Templeton Jr., MD, serves as president of Templeton Foundation Press and the John Templeton Foundation, directing activities in pursuit of its mission to encourage progress in scientific and religious knowledge. Dr. Templeton was board certified in pediatric surgery and surgical critical care, and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In 1995, he retired from his medical practice to serve full time as president of the Foundation. His more than twenty-five-year career as a physician and long-held spiritual beliefs provide both the formal science training and the commitment to advance the foundation’s work. He has published numerous papers in medical and professional journals. Dr. Templeton and his wife live in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.