Cicero said, "Men resemble the gods in nothing so much as in doing good to their fellow creatures." While his intent was to elevate generosity to lofty stature, he inadvertentlt hints that we may perform those good deeds to achieve god-like stature. In that short quote from antiquity is the conundrum that plagues philanthropy to this day-where is the dividing line past which a gift is given more for what it does for the donor than what it can do for the recipient? And is that important?

With that opening, Norvell takes us on a brief review of observations and truths he has found in his 30 years work with nonprofits as staff fund raiser and fund-raising consultant. His on the point statements are leavened with sgae and witty comments from the famous and near famous. Norvell has found a way to make us think deeper about generosity and improve its results.