The Giving Way to Happiness - by Jenny Santi (Paperback)

About the Book

We often focus on how our gifts can help those in need. But the act of giving actually improves our own lives as well. In The Giving Way to Happiness, Jenny Santi overturns conventional thinking about what it takes to be happy by revealing how giving to others--whether in the form of money, expertise, time, or love--has helped people from all walks of life find purpose and joy. Drawing on the wisdom of great thinkers past and present, as well as cutting-edge scientific research, Santi makes an eloquent and passionate case that oftentimes the answers to the problems that haunt us, and the key to the happiness that eludes us, lie in helping those around us.

Book Synopsis

A guide to how giving can be the key to happiness--combining the latest research with firsthand accounts from Goldie Hawn, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, and others.

As a Philanthropy advisor, Jenny Santi has met some of the world's most notable and inspiring change-makers. Despite their diverse backgrounds, each of these people has related to Santi that the thing in their life that has given them the most joy is the simple act of giving. In this inspiring book, Santi shares their stories - how they found purpose, healed from past wounds, and discovered meaning beyond material success - as well as her own personal struggles in finding happiness in order to inspire readers to discover the power of giving in their own lives.

Told firsthand by such notable people as Academy Award winner Goldie Hawn, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, Teach for America founder Wendy Kopp, philanthropist Richard Rockefeller, environmentalist Philippe Cousteau, and many others, the stories in this book make an eloquent and passionate case that oftentimes the answers to the problems that haunt us, and the key to the happiness that eludes us, lie in helping others.

In this book you will discover:
- How altruism activates the same pleasure centers of the brain stimulated by food, sex, and drugs
- Practical, universally applicable lessons on what kind of giving makes people happy and what doesn't.
- How to give your time, talents, and treasures in ways that are more impact-oriented, energizing, and rewarding than ever

In this inspiring book, Santi reveals giving is the secret to living a life that is full of meaning, purpose, and happiness.

Review Quotes

"The Giving Way to Happiness is full of interesting insights from big-ticket philanthropists and prominent personalities, but it is also about something bigger: how we can all find happiness through helping others. If done right, giving may well be the greatest gift you can give yourself."
--Adam Grant, professor, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and New York Times-bestselling author of Give and Take

"This thoughtful look at philanthropy honestly examines the self-interest often involved in it and suggests that a self-focused approach to giving may in fact be entirely appropriate."
--Publishers Weekly

"Well done! A wonderful and timely contribution."
--Christy Turlington Burns, founder of Every Mother Counts

"The Giving Way to Happiness will change the way you approach giving, shifting the focus from charity to empathy, from a one-way transfer to a mutually beneficial act, from guilt and obligation to pleasure and happiness. Jenny Santi, through her well-researched, eloquent, and insightful book, teaches us how we can help ourselves by helping others."
​--Carl Liederman, former CEO of One Young World, and founder & CEO of Liedership

"Does humanity really need another book about happiness? If it's this one, yes. Jenny Santi brings unique access to some of the world's highest profile givers. By getting into their heads, she gives us moving glimpses into their hearts. And into hers--a new generation MBA who seeks justice and joy. These pages pop with hope for both."
--Irshad Manji, founder of NYU's Moral Courage Project, and New York Times-bestselling author of The Trouble with Islam Today

"Jenny Santi's book delivers an important message: Giving can make as much of a difference in your own life as it does in others'. It's a new way of thinking and a compelling case for giving that can help cultivate purpose for individuals and change for communities. Her stories of how inspiring people such as Ted Turner and Muhammad Yunus made the decision to give at scale also show you don't have to be a billionaire or world leader to make a difference."
--Kathy Calvin, CEO, United Nations Foundation

"As Jenny Santi so eloquently shows, to give is not just better than to receive; to give is to receive. The people in this book are from all walks of life--a dolphin captor who comes to regret his work, the grieving mother of a 9/11 victim, a Bangladeshi economist doubtful that what he's teaching really matters, an entrepreneur struggling with ALS, and many others--but they share a passion for giving that changes them in profound ways. Their stories are a testament to the fact that when we give of ourselves, we not only improve the lives of others, but we find genuine happiness and deeper meaning in our own."
--Brandt Goldstein, visiting associate professor at New York Law School and author of Storming the Court

"Given the growing inequity on our planet, what is the solution? Santi shows us that a culture of giving can change the world around us while fulfilling each of our lives at the deepest level. Impressive, inspiring, and full of wisdom!"
--Shiv Khemka, Vice Chairman, SUN Group

"Jenny Santi has succeeded in crafting a compelling blend of moving stories, powerful insights, and practical advice on how each of us can find 'The Giving Way to Happiness.' This book demonstrates that each of us can feel the impact and spiritual rewards of giving if we choose to make the journey. Her efforts and personal experiences will be an inspiration to many."
--Alex Charlton, president of Cavendish Global

"This is an inspirational book, which addresses both philosophical and practical questions. Santi's perceptive account is uplifting and insightful. The book is packed with heart-warming stories, fascinating research, personal revelations, useful tips, and timely advice. The Giving Way to Happiness explores the very real connection between helping others and helping ourselves."
--Ilian Mihov, Dean, INSEAD

"With expertise, passion, and captivating real-life stories that keep you at the edge of your seat, Jenny Santi reminds us of the life-changing power of giving--it is essential to our well-being as individuals, families, and communities. The Giving Way to Happiness is an important book for people of every generation who want to be fully alive in the world."
--Tara Stiles, founder and CEO of Strala Yoga

"There is now compelling evidence from neuroscience that giving tends to make people happy. Jenny Santi has added to this science the evidence of a fascinating collection of people, some well known, some not, who have experienced life changing happiness through dedication to philanthropy. Santi has written a book that is insightful and entertaining and sure to inspire readers to try some of that recipe for happiness themselves.
--Matthew Bishop, globalisation editor at The Economist, and coauthor of Philanthrocapitalism

"Authentic, candid, and insightful, The Giving Way to Happiness masterfully interweaves touching and often surprising stories into the analysis of how people live lives full of meaning, purpose and happiness. This is an important book that sends a wonderful message that is so simple at its core but that is unfortunately too often overlooked--that the act of giving creates a multiplier effect, adding something to the life of those in need but also intrinsically rewarding the giver too, making him or her happier as well. Altruistic or not--the effect is positive. Santi's book is filled with lessons you'll want to immediately start applying to your life. Read it to find out more."
--Boris FJ Collardi, CEO of Julius Baer

"An enlightening read, filled with open, honest glimpses into the lives of inspirational personalities from different walks of life. This is a rare book that will make you smile, move you to tears, inspire you to make a difference, and make you happy--while reading the same page. This book is a friendly, approachable yet sharply written narrative packed with ideas you'll want to immediately start applying to your life."
--Malvinder Mohan Singh, executive chairman of Fortis Healthcare Ltd.

"This book presents a groundbreaking new perspective on happiness. Through her exciting career as a philanthropy advisor to some of the world's most generous individuals, Jenny Santi offers us a view into the principles that have made them not only successful, but truly happy."
--Jayesh Parekh, co-founder of Sony Entertainment Television and managing partner of Jungle Ventures

"A wonderful book for a new generation of individuals who not only want to make a difference but also want to live exciting, fulfilling, and happy lives. Packed with inspiring stories of people from different walks of life and with lessons directly applicable to your own. Just pick it up and you'll be hooked!"
--Katherine Lorenz, President, Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation

"In a very readable and compelling way, Jenny Santi weaves together science and strategy that will inspire anyone who is looking to build more strategic purpose into philanthropy, gain insights into volunteering, or better understand their purpose. A must-read!"
--John R Hart, vice chairman, New York Private Bank & Trust

About the Author

Jenny Santi is a philanthropy advisor to some of the world's most generous philanthropists and celebrity activists. For five years, beginning when she was only twenty-eight, Santi was the head of Philanthropy Services (Southeast Asia) for the world's largest wealth manager. She holds an MBA from INSEAD, went to the Wharton School as an exchange student, and attended New York University's Heyman Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising, where she is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy.