Brin's generosity

We admire individuals for building huge technology businesses, but I find it even more inspiring when their success allows for something meaningful, especially when it's done quietly.

Last week, Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google and the 10th richest person in the world (worth $143 billion, no big deal), donated nearly $700 million worth of Alphabet shares to various charitable causes.

The bulk of it went to Catalyst4, a nonprofit he founded to support research into neurological disorders and climate change solutions. The rest was split between his family foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the latter being one of the world's leading supporters of Parkinson's research.

It's not the first time we've seen billionaires give back, but what struck me here was how low-key it was. No splashy headlines. No red carpet. Just a regulatory filing and a quiet statement from his family office. That's class.

It reminds me of something Winston Churchill once said: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Or this quote from Anne Frank: "No one has ever become poor by giving."

If you're fortunate enough to be building wealth, whether you're holding large investments, growing a business, or just making smart financial choices, don't forget the power of generosity. Giving back doesn't always mean millions. It can also be time, knowledge, or kindness.