Reading books and watching movies are great ways to pass the time and entertain ourselves. Moreover, these hobbies are cool ways to learn new things. You can further maximize the benefits of reading and watching by using it as a way to motivate yourself to help and serve others. Luckily there are many well-written books and top-quality films that can inspire you to take positive actions such as kindness and generosity. Thus, in case you are a bit apprehensive about altruism, the following book and movie recommendations may just provide the push you need:
Books That Encourage Kindness
The Kindness of Strangers by Mike McIntyre
Would you dare go on a long journey without even a single penny in your pocket? This bestselling author did what many would deem impossible to find out if he can survive by simply relying on people’s kindness. The little experiment by Mike McIntyre is also a way to escape the unhappiness that the author was then experiencing at his job. Amazingly, the book features stories of all the help he had received from people he did not even know. He also discovered that often, people who are less fortunate usually turn out to be more generous.
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
We all want to know the secret to achieve success and according to Ferrazzi, it lies in how good you are at creating good relationships with people. In this book, the author and entrepreneur debunks the myth that the fastest way to climb the corporate ladder is by stepping on people along the way. Instead, he shares the mindsets he believed in and the steps he took to always create positive relationships with others. His efforts ultimately helped him reach his dreams.
Movies That Promote Generosity
What makes a happy life? This 2007 film that features two elderly men diagnosed with lung cancer reminds viewers that it is not about money and power. Instead, you have better luck of experiencing life satisfaction by taking steps to care for others. In this movie, a billionaire decides to help his friend fulfill all the items in his bucket list. The years he spent doing that prove to be the happiest and most meaningful years of his life. It also transformed his life beautifully. The movie highlights the fulfillment you can get by doing what you can to make others happy.
This multi-awarded French film features the story of Amelie, a girl who in her own little way sets out on a mission to make other people happy. Released in 2001, it is a must-see if you are searching for a movie that will warm your heart. Both touching and magical, the movie shows that kindness creates positive ripples that can change the lives of the people around you. In the end, Amelie finds her own happiness as well.
This movie, released in 2000, follows the story of a young boy who amidst all the troubles he is experiencing at home decides to perform good deeds to others to do a school project. As the assignment is to come up with ideas that can change the world, the little boy asks every person he helps to pay him by showing kindness to three more people. This movie can serve as a reminder that no act of kindness is ever wasted. For parents, this is a cool movie to help you introduce the concept of philanthropy to your kids.
Philanthropy is more than the act of extending care and assistance to others. It is more of a way of life. This means that being a philanthropist includes being mindful of the books we read and movies we see because they can influence our minds and actions.
