“We Make a Living by What We Get, But We Make a Life by What We Give” 10-8-25

Summary

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Becker Business Podcast: “We Make a Living by What We Get, But We Make a Life by What We Give”

Host: Scott Becker
Date: October 8, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this short solo episode, Scott Becker reflects on the wisdom behind a famous Winston Churchill quote: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Becker explores how acts of giving, whether charitable or personal, contribute to a more meaningful and fulfilling life, sharing both personal routines and candid insights into the psychological benefits of generosity.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Churchill Quote and Its Resonance

• Quotation Focus: Becker introduces Winston Churchill’s insight, underscoring the vital distinction between acquiring for oneself and enriching life by giving to others.
  • Quote: “‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ And I think this is right on.” (00:13)

Personal Centering and Routine

• Finding Balance: Becker discusses basic personal habits to maintain well-being and stay "motoring in the right direction"—examples include hydration, exercise, and nutrition.
• Going Beyond the Basics: He finds that deeper fulfillment and recenters himself most effectively by helping others:
  • Quote: “When I am struggling...the single best thing that I could do is a positive thing for somebody else, whether it’s for charity or a specific person or somebody else, because I know at least that day I’ve done something useful.” (00:39)

The Selfishness and Satisfaction of Giving

• Reflecting on Motivation: Becker admits that giving has personal rewards and isn’t always purely altruistic.
  • Quote: “I hate to be so selfish, but I think the act of giving is often more about the giver and it makes the giver feel good than it is about the giftee.” (01:12)
• Perspective on Ego: Even when not seeking praise, the internal satisfaction of having done something “useful” marks a big win for mental well-being.

Practical Takeaways

• Sustainable Giving: While he’d “afford to do it every day” for the positivity and karma it brings, Becker acknowledges consistency can be difficult. Yet, he affirms that any act of giving, big or small, is a win:
  • Quote: “When you do something for others and give, you’re winning that day.” (02:06)

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Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On Giving and Utility:
  “...at the end of the day, when you do something for someone else or for a charity or some other thing...you’ve at least done something useful that day. And I believe that that’s a big win and a great way to...” (01:32)

• On Everyday Opportunity:
  “If I could afford to do it every day, I would do it every day just to give myself that positivity and that karma.” (01:53)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:13 — Introduction of the Churchill quote and theme
• 00:39 — Personal strategies for recentering (habits and acts of giving)
• 01:12 — Reflection on the giver’s feeling of fulfillment
• 01:32 — The inherent usefulness and value of giving
• 01:53 — Desire to give consistently for positivity and karma
• 02:06 — Concluding insight: giving means you’re "winning that day"

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Summary Takeaway:
Scott Becker’s message is clear—while success is connected to what we accumulate, a truly meaningful life is shaped by our contributions to others. The act of giving yields personal joy and balance, making every such gesture significant, both for the world and for the giver.

Transcript

[A]

This is Scott Becker with the Becker Private Equity in the Becker Business podcast. Today's discussion is a take off and a use of a favorite Winston Churchill quote. And I think his thought here is a brilliant thought. He basically says, we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. And I think this is right on. Whenever I feel out of center and, and need to do something, obviously there are basic things they need to do to keep myself sort of motoring in the right direction. Whether it's, it's, you know, drinking water, doing my steps, doing other types of things, watching what I eat, but more importantly, when I am struggling in different things, the single best thing that I could do is a positive thing for somebody else, whether it's for charity or a specific person or somebody else, because I know at least that day I've done something useful. Useful. I've actually done something positive and useful. And so I concept from Winston Churchill of you make a living in one way, but you make a life by what you give. I think that is so true. And the beauty is finding ways to make those gifts, to do those positive things, to add benefits. And I think it is. I hate to be so selfish, but. But I think the act of giving is often more about the giver and it makes the giver feel good than it is about the giftee. And I know that's not perfect, that maybe is not how it should be. But. But at the end of the day, when you do something for someone else or for a charity or some other thing, you know, you may or may not need the pat on the back that some of us with ego need. But even without it, you've at least done something useful that day. And I believe that that's a big win and a great way to. I can afford to do it every day. I would do it every day just to give myself that positivity in that karma. But. But even if you can't, when you, when you do something for others and give, you're winning that day. Thank you for listening to the Becker Business Podcast, the Becker Private Equity Podcast. And thank you to our magnificent producer, Chanel Bunger. Cannot tell you how terrific she is to work with. Thank you very much for joining us.