In a world often overshadowed by cynicism, economic struggle, and divisive headlines, the simple idea of “paying it forward” offers a powerful counterbalance. It’s a concept built on selflessness—doing something kind for someone else without expecting anything in return, trusting that the good will continue its journey. While it may sound idealistic, the ripple effect of one good deed can be transformative—not just for individuals, but for entire communities
I was the recipient of an act of selflessness this past weekend, and I’m still in awe that it happened. My fiancé and I were attending a big city movie theatre to see a film we were both interested in. We went to the kiosk and purchased our tickets and then headed to concessions to get a large popcorn, coke and beer.
The total came to about $40, and because I was struggling carrying my beer (I have essential tremor which means my hands shake horribly), the teenage attendant said, “I got this, you don’t have to pay.” I was flabbergasted. Here is a teenager paying for our refreshments. I said, “you don’t have to do that.” But he insisted. He said he had manager status and was able to pay for others a couple times a day.
I won’t soon forget this and will be quick to pay it forward to others.
At its core, paying it forward is an act of generosity. It might be covering a stranger’s coffee, mowing a neighbor’s lawn, or donating supplies to a struggling school. These seemingly small gestures carry a disproportionate weight. They remind us that empathy and kindness still exist, even among strangers. In a society that too often encourages competition and individualism, paying it forward reintroduces the value of community and shared humanity.
Importantly, this principle fosters a cycle of goodwill. When people receive an unexpected act of kindness, they are more likely to feel inspired to help others in turn. Psychologists call this “moral elevation”—a warm feeling that encourages prosocial behavior. One kind gesture becomes two, then four, then more. It’s exponential generosity.
There’s also a practical side to all this. Paying it forward helps build social capital. When communities are rooted in mutual respect and helpfulness, they function better. People are more likely to look out for one another, cooperate, and solve problems together. Neighborhoods feel safer. Schools thrive. Local economies improve as trust builds between people and businesses.
Critics might say that acts of kindness are no match for systemic problems. And while it’s true that paying it forward won’t solve inequality or injustice overnight, it contributes to a healthier social climate. Grassroots goodness can complement top-down reform. If we want to build a more compassionate society, we need both.
Ultimately, paying it forward is about hope. It’s about believing in the idea that one person’s actions matter, and that we all have the capacity to make life a little better for someone else. In times of division, that’s a lesson worth spreading.
So next time someone holds the door, covers your lunch, or offers a hand without asking for credit, don’t just say thank you. Pass it on. The world could use more of that. I know I will.
Kind of like we’re “paying it forward” by shipping innocent people off to prisons in foreign countries calling it “deportation”? Kind of like “paying it forward” by giving huge tax cuts to billionaires but taking away health care from people that really need it? That’s exactly what you and your brethren are trying to do. Talk is cheap and yours is the cheapest. Hypocrite.
I love this. It’s a reminder that real change doesn’t have to come from the top down. It starts right where we are, with the people in front of us.
In Catholic social teaching, there’s this idea called subsidiarity: the belief that the most meaningful work happens at the most local level possible. It’s not in the systems or sweeping reform first, but in our small, immediate circles.
That teenager reminded you what it feels like to be seen, and how good it feels to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
That’s what paying it forward really is. It’s about restoring a sense of shared humanity. It invites us to stop waiting for someone else to fix things and instead tend to what’s right in front of us.
When we do that—when we act out of generosity, without expecting anything in return—we create this ripple effect that feels a lot like grace. And in a world that so often feels disconnected, that kind of goodness is reassuring. Thanks for sharing this.