What would happen to humanity if generosity went viral?
That’s the question behind Chris Anderson’s 2023 TED talk “It’s time for infectious generosity. Here’s how.” Anderson is the longtime curator of TED, a nonprofit that spreads valuable ideas globally via short videoed talks. Originally focused on technology, entertainment and design (hence the acronym TED), the talks now encompass a wide range of subjects including science, business and global issues.
TED talks now number in the thousands, all free online at TED.com. According to the website, viewership has grown to around one billion views per year.
In his infectious generosity video, Anderson relates the experience of first posting TED talk videos online for free back in 2006 and being shocked by how the videos were watched and shared, reaching millions.
“It got me thinking that in this connected era, the rules around what we hold onto and what we give away have fundamentally changed,” he says, adding that he came up with the mantra, “Take a risk, give what you can, and be amazed by what happens next.”
Anderson shares 10 stories that “create a playbook” for a “new way to think about generosity” and show the ripple effect that kind acts can have in the world – especially in our age of hyper-connection.
“I’m sick of how mean the world is… I think everyone is. I think the pendulum needs to swing,” Anderson says.
Take a risk, give what you can, and be amazed by what happens next. – Chris Anderson
Anderson also wrote a book titled “Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading,” published in 2024.
Manitou Springs resident Ken Jaray read the book earlier this year. He told the Bulletin it was a welcome distraction from the current political environment and he felt healthier focusing on positivity. He felt inspired to share the message with others and find ways to nurture a culture of kindness locally.
Jaray is the president of the Manitou Springs Community Foundation; he made a proposal to the foundation to establish an infectious generosity fund. A bequest from a community member gave $10,000 to the initiative.
Jaray also approached the Manitou Springs City Council with a proclamation to support the Infectious Generosity movement, which the council affirmed – and this year’s community-service oriented Manni Awards included the award category Beacon of Generosity.
At the Manni Awards, held last month, Jaray surprised five attendees with $100 to use in spreading generosity.
Join the conversation
On April 19 from noon to 1:30 p.m., the Manitou Springs Community Foundation and the Pikes Peak Bulletin will host a group discussion of Anderson’s infectious generosity TED talk, facilitated by Renee Moorefield, at the Manitou Springs library (701 Manitou Ave.). RSVP is requested to plan for lunch and materials; please respond via evite.me/p1VZ3AfEF6 or on the MSCF Facebook event page.
A soup and salad lunch will be provided by Flying Pig Farms.
Registered participants will be sent a link to Anderson’s TED talk, which is approximately 20 minutes long, as well as a one-page summary of the book. During the event, participants will break into small groups with discussion prompts related to bringing infectious generosity into the Manitou Springs community and beyond.
Can’t attend the in-person event? Check out the virtual event on the MSCF Facebook page from April 17-21, where you can watch the video and discuss in the comments section.