The 4 Things to Give Others

Vancouver, 2015 (photo by Cindy Nguyen)
Vancouver, 2015 (photo by Cindy Nguyen)

Never ask people for their preferences. Because most people don’t know what they “need” — they only know what they “want.”

What should we give others? According to Seneca in his book: “On Benefits”, he outlines the following:

  1. Give people what they need, not what they want
  2. Give people what is useful
  3. Give to people what will last
  4. Give people what they cannot live without

Let’s break down some of the ideas below:

1. Give people what they need, not what they want

eric-kim-street-photography-kodak-tri-x-1600-1247

Most people want things that they don’t need. People want luxury cars, luxury watches, luxury homes, lots of money, lots of power, lots of influence, and lots of pleasure. But do people really need these things?

How I’ve applied this principle:

Photographers love gear reviews and camera reviews. But that isn’t what they need— it is what they want.

I think what photographers need is more inspiration, knowledge, and photography education.

So even though doing gear reviews gets me more page views and clicks, I focus on photography education — what I think the photo community needs, not wants.

2. Give people what is useful

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A lot of things that people want, aren’t useful. We should focus on giving people things that have utility— and can actually help them.

Perhaps if you have a kid, don’t just give them a toy that will lose its novelty soon. Give them something that will empower them to create. Give them crayons, pencils, and paper.

How I’ve applied this principle:

Whenever I blog, I try to keep it simple and practical. If information cannot be useful, it is unnecessary.

I try to focus less on theory, and more on practice. That is why even in this article, I’m trying to provide practical examples of how I’ve applied these principles to my personal life.

3. Give people what will last

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A lot of what we give to people simply disappear into thin air. Let us give to them what is permanent, and what will stay with them.

That can mean giving people a memorable experience— because that will always last in their minds and memories. Or it might mean creating things for others that aren’t just fads. Creating things that will last a long time.

How I’ve applied this principle:

I try not to write articles that will fade in a few months. If I do a camera review, it won’t be useful 20 years from now — because it will become outdated by a new camera.

I try to write “evergreen” content— articles which I feel will help photographers 5, 10, 15, 20, 2000 years from now. Articles on composition, framing, emotion, and how to find more personal meaning in photography. These are things that will never change — whereas cameras, equipment, and gear are always fleeting and changing.

4. Give people what they cannot live without

Amsterdam, 2015 #cindyproject
Amsterdam, 2015 #cindyproject

What can we not live without? We can’t live without food, water, and shelter. But we also cannot live without love, appreciation, family, and a sense of community.

Give people your heart, your soul, your time, and your friendship, compassion, and companionship.

How I’ve applied this principle:

Everyday, I try to share a bit of my heart with everyone. I always try to smile and say hello to everyone I meet— whether they be my Uber driver, a random stranger on the streets, my waiter, my barista, or convenience-store worker.

Of course, I also try to share my heart and soul through writing, photography, and this blog. I share my heart with Cindy, my close friends, and loved ones.

I try to value giving above everything else. And the two things I focus on: giving my information and my soul.

Giving helps everyone

Vancouver, 2015 #cindyproject
Vancouver, 2015 #cindyproject

Value giving over taking.

The more you give, the more you receive in return. And the more you receive in return, the more you can give.

By being a giver, your wealth will be endless. The more of your wealth you share with others, the more wealth will grow for everyone.

But to learn how to give wisely is a skill that takes your entire life. I am personally learning this, and those 4 tips above (in terms of how to give) are my guiding principles.

How can you give more in your life? I can guarantee— the more you give, the more wealthy you will find in life (emotional, spiritual, and financial).

Always,
Eric

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