Nicholas D. Kristof wrote an interesting article in the New York Times on Sunday, January 17, 2010, called Our Basic Human Pleasures: Food, Sex and Giving.  He cites the great book by Jonathan Haidt, a psychology professor at the University of Virgina, named “The Happiness Hypothesis“.

The crux of the book is to analyze the factors that make people happy.  One of the key findings is that people who give back are happier than those who do not.  The wry twist is that although many/most people contribute to causes greater than themselves because it’s the ‘right thing to do’, studies have shown that generosity feels so good that the sacrifice makes the person happier.

Two other relevant findings as it partains to Vivanista: Participation in social networks causes greater happiness.  That’s good.  And those who focus on good works rather than trying to achieve wealth and career advancement are even happier.  That’s great!

So if you 1. volunteer time to charitable endeavors, 2. enjoy participating in social networks, 3. focus on doing good deeds, you are so fantastically happy.  You’re a Vivanista!

Why do you give back?  Please comment below: