What are your thoughts on the idea of "paying it forward"?

Nice idea.

I love the idea, but when we help a random stranger we can't hold them accountable to pay it forward (wouldn't it be nice though if we could?) Somewhere down the line someone isn't going to pay it forward. It's too bad that some people are that selfish, but ultimately it is their choice. (I'm sure though that someone has helped them out at some point in time). I'll do my part, though, and try to make the world just a little better off than I found it..lol... Have a great day!!!

I love the concept of paying it forward. Recently, I helped a single dad with a four year old daughter with a fundaiser to help him pay his rent for two months until his disability check became active. We raised enough money and then some in only two days. He was so grateful for my help that he insisted on getting my five year old a new toy. This man and his beautiful little girl barely had two nickels to rub together and his thoughts were on what he could do for me and mine. He refused to take no for an anwser and I was inspired by his giving nature and willingness to pay it forward.

Good movie, by the way.

I like the idea. It does my heart better to know that they'll do something for someone else instead of me. Chances are, that someone else will need the help more than I ever will. I'm considerably strong-natured anyways, so I typically don't ask for help. Doesn't mean I won't need it, I just don't ask for it.

Well ideally you should help people regardless of whether you've been helped recently yourself.

I imagine that in practice, if you help someone who isn't typically altruistic and tell them to pay it forward, they're likely to just forget about it. Whereas if you give the same instruction to a particularly kind person, it's likely to be unnecessary.

The movie is great. And I have "paid it forward" and have helped someone with car problems in the rain late at night.

there's a song about this. it's a country song (one of very few that i like) and it's pretty good.

so if i do something nice for someone and they try to pay me for it, but that's not why i did it, i tell them just to pass on the kindness.

i think it's a great way of reminding people that we're all in this together, no matter what our station in life. it also reminds us how good it feels to be kind to someone in need.

well thats kind-off corny. i wouldn't say 'pass it forward', that upto that person if thats a good person to do so. i do good things cause its the right thing to do, hopefully the other will take noticie and do the same to another person. i guess the idea is good but it all depends on the person. and most people don't say 'how can i repay u" most just say thanks...

Great idea. Unfortunately, I have not often been asked, "How can I repay you?" by someone I've helped. Most just take it for granted and go about their business.

Ahh, I always wondered about that saying/movie. That's a great idea.

Sounds like a good movie. Now I'll have to order it up in NetFlix.

It's a great idea, but oh man, was that movie ever awful.

That one, K-Pax and David Gale made me leary of the presence of Kevin Spacey in a film, when previously I actively sought out any movie with him in it.