These examples are just the beginning. In an era of post-idealism and cynicism, nongovernmental organizations, or NGOs, are ceding the field of hopelessness like never before and impacting more lives than ever. The number of charitable organizations in America alone runneth over one million; seven percent of America’s workforce is employed by this army of compassion. And the vast conspiracy of helping is represented in other countries too. Russia, India, and China boast well over a million NGOs whose most important bottom line is a lifeline to their fellow man.

Clinton states there are many ways to give other than monetary. One can give time, items, skills, forgiveness, and new beginnings to make the world a better place for all. Indeed there are tremendous opportunities to give nowadays, but some people are faithless to their own efforts. When it comes to aid, Clinton warns some people may think counterintuitively:

When people don’t give, I think the reasons are simply reverse. They don’t believe what they could do would make a difference, either because their resources are limited or their convinced efforts to change other people’s lives and conditions are futile. They don’t feel morally obligated to give. No one has ever asked them to do so. And they believe they’ll believe they’ll enjoy life more if they keep their money and time for themselves and their families.

This book doesn’t attempt to cure worldwide agnosticism of the act of helping others. It’s true, Giving doesn’t try convert anyone to a state of generosity, it simply proves the success of selfless acts and the possibilities thereof.

Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World is now on sale by publisher A. A. Knopf. Proceeds from President Clinton’s book will be given to charities and nonprofit organizations around the world. My Life is also available for purchase and is published by Vintage Press.