Hillsdale College

Generosity

Thoughtfully give of your time, talents, and possessions.

Generosity is the moral virtue that inclines one to bestow one’s own goods upon others willingly and in accordance with right reason. Generosity is not measured so much by the amount that is given as by one’s willingness to give; thus, even those who lack possessions may develop this virtue. In order to give prudently, we must consider both those for whom we are most responsible and those who are most in need.

Being generous is giving willingly and with a joyful heart what you can to those in need.

Featured Stories

Charlotte’s Web
E.B. White
Grade 2-3

Story

Anne of Green Gables
L. M. Montgomery
Grade 4-6

Story

Momotaro: Peach Boy
From What Your Kindergartner Needs to KnowE.D. Hirsch Jr. and John Holdren
Grade K-1

Story

"The Magic Paintbrush"
From What Your Second Grader Needs to KnowE.D. Hirsch
Grade 2-4

Story

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl
Grade 3-5

Story


Featured Biographies

Annie and Helen
Deborah Hopkinson
Grade 1-5

Biography

Dangerous Jane
Suzanne Slade
Grade 2-5

Biography

Andrew Carnegie. Builder of Libraries
Charnan Simon
Grade 3-5

Biography

Jane Addams: Pioneer Social Worker
Charnan Simon
Grade 3-6

Biography

Lives of Virtue

Jane Addams
Jane Addams
Jane Addams demonstrated kindness, generosity, and respect by founding Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago that provided essential services, education, and support to impoverished immigrants, fostering community and social reform.
Clara Barton
Clara Barton
Clara Barton, driven by compassion and courage, founded the American Red Cross and tirelessly devoted her life to providing aid and comfort to those in crisis, embodying selflessness and resilience in the face of adversity.
Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie exemplified generosity by donating much of his vast wealth to fund libraries, schools, and cultural institutions, significantly advancing public education and philanthropy.
Anne Sullivan Macy
Anne Sullivan Macy
Anne Sullivan, with remarkable patience and dedication, transformed Helen Keller’s life through innovative teaching, embodying kindness, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to uplift and empower.