Thrift and Generosity
Details and Description
Description
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.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Millard Fuller / ix
Introduction / 3
Thrift / 7
Generosity / 43
The Relationship between Thrift and Generosity / 73
Recommended Reading / 105
Endorsements and Reviews
Reviews
Oklahoman—Oklahoma City, OK
It is impossible to read this book without getting inspiration, helpful advice and insight.
www.Spirit-Works.net
Thrift and Generosity explores the giving/receiving concept through several religions and belief systems. The recurring thought is that as we work our way through the thought of scarcity and selfishness, and reach the understanding that ’there is enough,’ then what is ours will indeed come to us. Coupling together the discipline of thrift, valuing what we have, and giving to it the joy of generosity, we create a two-fold magnet for prosperity and abundance.
I recommend this heartening book to our Spirit-Works readers.
Dallas Morning News—Dallas, TX
Dr. Templeton’s philosophy can be summed up by the words of John Wesley: "Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can." But the book also convinces the reader as to why that’s the best way to live.
Living Church, The—Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The president of the Templeton Foundation, himself a medical doctor, explores the nature of happiness and the joys of giving and volunteering, even in times of thrift. This one is recommended by the president of Habitat for Humanity.
Patriot News—Harrisburg, PA
Templeton’s philosophy can be summed up by the words of John Wesley: "Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can." But the book also convinces that reader as to why that’s the best way to live.
Scientific and Medical Network, The—Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
An informative and stimulating reflection on the relationship between thrift and generosity by the President of the John Templeton Foundation, which has put these principles into practice in a major way. The book begins with a consideration of thrift, distinguishing it from cheapness for its own sake and showing how it has been historically correlated with industriousness and self-discipline (exemplified in the Protestant ethic). This contrasts sharply with the wastefulness and indeptedness of current US families who may work hard but who don’t generally live within their means (their average credit card debt is around $8,000). Generosity is the other side of the coin—not just with money but also with time. Then the final section brings the two together. Templeton illustrates these principles with many apt quotations and inspiring stories.
Charleston Post & Courier, The—Charleston, SC
The wonderful quotes in this book, along with the commonsense simplicity of appreciating what your have and giving what you should, make this a very worthwhile book. I highly recommend it. If we all raised our children in this way, the world would certainly be a better place.
Marketwire
In these uncertain economic times, thrift may seem like a necessity. From another perspective, it can be a virtue that, when practiced in combination with gratitude and generosity, leads to deep, lasting contentment. This is the inspirational message of a gift-book-of-wisdom that is hitting the bookshelves in time for the holiday season, when many are conflicted between wanting to give, wanting to get, and, hopefully, thoughts of those in need.
Religion Bookline for Publishers Weekly
What is thrift? In this inspirational gift book, Templeton (a pediatric surgeon who serves as president of the Templeton Foundation Press and father Sir John Templeton’s foundation) contends that a thrifty person is not a mere cheapskate. Whereas a cheapskate saves money to hoard it selfishly, a thrifty person lives frugally in order to be a good steward of resources and to contribute something to the world. Thrifty people, says Templeton, enjoy good value and are not wasteful or unethical about money. Moreover, thrifty people are generous, compassionately and habitually giving of their own wealth to help others. For a gift book, this is text-heavy and a tad preachy in the style of "Poor Richard’s Almanac" (which Templeton quotes), but the selfless, timeless values illuminated here bear repeating. (Oct.)
Publisher's Weekly - New York, NY
What is thrift? In this inspirational gift book, Templeton (a pediatric surgeon who serves as president of the Templeton Foundation Press and father Sir John Templeton’s foundation) contends that a thrifty person is not a mere cheapskate. Whereas a cheapskate saves money to hoard it selfishly, a thrifty person lives frugally in order to be a good steward of resources and to contribute something to the world. Thrifty people, says Templeton, enjoy good value and are not wasteful or unethical about money. Moreover, thrifty people are generous, compassionately and habitually giving of their own wealth to help others. For a gift book, this is text-heavy and a tad preachy in the style of "Poor Richard’s Almanac" (which Templeton quotes), but the selfless, timeless values illuminated here bear repeating.