What is pay it forward?

"Pay it forward" is a concept and social movement that encourages individuals to do good deeds for others without expecting anything in return, with the hope that recipients will continue the cycle by helping someone else. This philosophy is based on the idea of fostering kindness, generosity, and a sense of community, ultimately creating a chain reaction of positive actions.

The concept gained significant popularity with the publication of Catherine Ryan Hyde's 1999 novel "Pay It Forward," which was later adapted into a film in 2000 starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Haley Joel Osment. In the story, a young boy creates a plan to change the world by doing good deeds for three people and asking them to "pay it forward" by doing similar acts for others.

Examples of paying it forward can range from small gestures, like buying a coffee for the person behind you at a café, to larger acts of kindness, such as volunteering, mentoring, or supporting those in need. Many organizations, movements, and online communities have embraced this philosophy, encouraging people to make a difference through simple acts of kindness.

The "pay it forward" movement underscores the power of altruism and demonstrates how individual actions can contribute to a more compassionate and connected society.