From an early age, we are rightly taught to give unto others as we would like others to give unto us. Rich or poor, the day will come when you will need something from someone. Here are 10 reasons everyone should give back.

1.You will need help one day. The golden rule ‘Do unto others what you would like them to do unto you’ is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. If you help no one, don’t expect anyone to help you.

2.Make a difference in someone’s life. To make a difference in someone’s life, put a smile on their face. If you have the power to make someone smile, you have the power to change the world.

3.Makes you feel better. Human beings are wired to do good; that is why when we do, we feel good about ourselves. Seeking happiness for others brings happiness to you.

4.Shows people who you are. No one honors the stingy, but generous people earn continuous praise. When you give back you show people that you have a heart and when you have a heart people esteem you, for givers, not takers, better the world.

5.Develop new skills. When volunteering you discover things about yourself that you wouldn’t have otherwise. When not being paid to do something, chances are you are doing something you wouldn’t normally do.

6.Make good friends. Negative people seldom volunteer; positive people often do. One of the best ways to meet good people is to volunteer; if you want to meet fish, you go in water, and if you want to meet birds, visit the sky.

7.Grow spiritually. What you pour out into the world is poured right back into you, and when you pour love from your mind, your mind grows; from your heart, your heart grows; and from your soul, your soul grows.

8.Your generosity can become contagious. When you give back, even in small ways, it can lead to big things. Countless charities doing extraordinary work all over the world started this way.

9.You will be remembered. When you help people, you leave a part of yourself in their hearts. Maya Angelou said, ‘People can forget what you did or said, but can never forget how you made them feel.’ When you give back, you leave a good example for those who come after you.

10. Make the world a better place. The only way to change the world is one good deed at a time. You don’t have to have a billion dollars to save the world; your time, skills, and talents can do just fine. The smallest thing you do for anyone counts.

(Written by: Matshona Dhliwayo, a Canadian based philosopher, entrepreneur, and author)