One Dollar Can Change Someone’s Life

Discover how science, faith, and philosophy all point to the same truth: that small actions of kindness and generosity change the world. Explore universal laws that prove that everything you do, no matter how small, builds up and has a big impact. 

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” - Vincent Van Gogh 

Finding Meaning in Small Acts 

A Personal Reflection  

Every night, after my kids fall asleep, I tidy the toys scattered across the floor, a storm of play left behind by my beloved little tornadoes. 

What used to feel like a chore has become something I treasure. It’s a quiet time of day to reflect on and notice the small things that make life feel whole. A puzzle half-finished, a drawing left on the table, traces of curiosity and wonder. 

I am reminded that the little things aren’t so little. Each act of care, each bit of effort, is part of something greater. Small moments shape a life, and every life makes a difference in the world. 

We are all capable of profoundly touching one another, encouraging good, and bringing a little more light to the world. To me, that is the definition of success: striving for good, every day, in the seemingly small acts we do. 

When the World Feels Too Big 

In today’s world of endless crises and overwhelming news, it’s easy to wonder: Does anything I do even matter? Can one person really make a difference? 

These are questions we all face. Existential philosophers call this tension “the absurd,” the gap between our desire for meaning and life’s inherent uncertainties. 

We can find comfort in the following five universal principles that remind us of the power of our small day-to-day actions. 

1. The Law of Accumulation  

 Small efforts compound over time. 

The law of Accumulation emphasizes that small, consistent efforts can lead to substantial outcomes over time.  

When we show up each day, refine our habits, care for others, give freely, and learn from our experiences, those small acts build strength and endurance. Over time, they shape not only who we are but also the lives of those around us. 

2. The Law of Cause and Effect  

 Tiny choices can lead to very large outcomes. 

Recently, there was a viral trend on TikTok where users posted stories under the hashtag #butterflyeffect about how a small decision or moment, like taking a different route home, sending a message, or skipping one class, led to major life changes. For example: meeting a partner, switching careers, or moving cities. 

The idea they’re playing with is from Chaos Theory, which says that the flutter of a butterfly’s wings could potentially alter weather patterns across the world. 

If that is what a butterfly’s wing can do, imagine what a human hand guided by good intent is capable of.  

3. The Law of Interconnectedness  

The quiet je ne sais quoi, that indescribable something, that connects us all. 

Nothing in creation exists alone. Every living being is part of a greater whole. In nature, ecosystems thrive through cooperation. In humanity, the same truth applies: when we lift one person, we lift many. 

When I think of our intrinsic interconnectivity, I think about how we are all magnetic. Your laughter is contagious, and so is your sadness. Part of being human is the invisible line that connects every heart. When we see another hurting, it is almost as if it is happening to us. In a way, it kind of is.  

On a biological level, our brains mirror the emotions of others; on a moral level, our hearts respond to the pain of another with empathy. Programmed into us, we are wired to feel for each other for better or for worse. 

We are part of the same human ecosystem; when one part is wounded, the whole feels it, no matter how small.  

4. The Law of Intent 

Energy flows where attention goes. 

Every action begins with intention. 

The Law of Intent reminds us that what defines an action isn’t its scale, but the motive behind it.

For example, in a court of law, intention matters. The difference between an accident and a crime often comes down to what someone meant to do. Without even acting on the deed, the smallest act of all, thinking, contributes to the greater good. That is the first step to taking action.  

The smallest action with the right intention can move mountains. And with the help of the collective and a little determination, anything is possible.

5. The Law of Creation 

From the Micro to the Macro 

In physics, tiny atoms form stars. In nature, seeds create forests. In humanity, small acts of compassion create movements of hope. The law of creation states that nothing vast begins vast. 

Across the Abrahamic faiths, there’s a shared belief that all creation began from one soul, one divine spark from which everything unfolded. 

This mirrors a universal truth: every great thing starts small. Each minuscule act of good contributes to creation’s ongoing story. 

Greatness, in art, love, or service, always begins small. 

The Humanitarian Truth: Every Small Act Matters 

Parenthood has taught me what humanitarian work confirms: change happens in one act, one moment, one heartbeat at a time. 

When I pick up my child’s toys each night, I am reminded that care is cumulative and that little things make big things. 

So, if you ever wonder whether what you do matters, remember this: It’s the small things, done with great love, that hold the world together. 

That said, John Burroughs once wrote, “The smallest deed is better than the grandest intention.” 

We must act, even if it is small. That desire to do something good was not put there for no reason. So, take a moment and do that thing you have been meaning to do - you won’t regret it.