Are You a Giver, or a Taker? | WT #109

No, it’s not a trick question…but it might be tricky for some people to answer honestly. Indeed, at first glance, most of us may be inclined to respond, “Giver.”

But before we default to this answer, take an “inwardly-honest” moment to reflect more deeply.

Catholic Social Tradition offers a profound vision of work and business—not as a mere exchange of goods and services, but as a vocation, informed by what is called the “Logic of Gift.” This perspective, as outlined in The Vocation of the Business Leader, stands in contrast to the more prevalent “Logic of the Market.”

The Vocation of the Business Leader is a 2012 document published by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. It offers guidance for business leaders seeking to integrate faith and ethical principles into their work, viewing business not just as a means of profit but as a calling to serve the common good.

The Logic of Gift vs. The Logic of the Market

• The Logic of Gift presupposes that something is given, not merely acquired. “I have received much, and so I am called to give in return.”
• The Logic of the Market presupposes that nothing is given—things are only acquired, bartered, or earned. “If I don’t take it, someone else will.”

This distinction is crucial because it shapes how we view ourselves and our roles in the world. If we embrace the Logic of Gift, we recognize that we are chosen—not in an exclusive sense, but in a vocational sense. This means our work and actions are not just about personal gain, but about serving a greater, meaningful purpose.

Choice: The Bridge Between the Two Logics

Interestingly, the Logic of the Market elevates the importance of choice—and in a sense, it’s correct. Free will is a gift from God, allowing us to choose between different paths. Without the ability to choose, we could never rise above self-interest to embrace the Logic of Gift.

• The Logic of Gift presupposes that we are chosen—but we must first choose to live accordingly. “My work is not just about me—it is part of a greater calling.”
• The Logic of the Market sees individual choices—no one choice is better than another. “As long as I’m making my own choices, that’s what matters most.”

However, choice alone does not give our lives meaning. It merely provides options. True fulfillment comes when we freely choose to embrace the Logic of Gift—seeing our lives, work, and relationships not as things to be acquired but as gifts to be received and given in turn.

Rethinking Giving and Taking

If we only view our work, business, and life choices through the Logic of the Market, we may unwittingly become takers—always seeking the best deal, the greatest return, or the most efficient outcome. But when we choose the Logic of Gift, we recognize that we are recipients first, called to give as part of our vocation. This requires humility and magnanimity.

So, are you a giver or a taker? Perhaps the better question is:

“Do you see your life and work as something acquired, or as something given?”

This shift in perspective can change not only how we see ourselves but also how we engage with the world around us. And in the end, it is only by first choosing to embrace the Logic of Gift that we can truly transcend the Logic of the Market—transforming our work from a mere transaction into a vocation that serves a purpose far greater than ourselves.