What is True Philanthropy?

January 24, 2008 by Stephen Palmer

True philanthropy is done selflessly to benefit those to whom we give, and without thought to what we will receive from them in return. True giving ennobles and exalts both givers and receivers and leads to widespread, equitable, and sustainable prosperity. It is an act of love, dignity, and respect done by humble servants.

Selfish giving occurs when we give to fulfill our own needs for personal gratification, ostentatious display to achieve praise, or twisted desires to patronize others. False philanthropy is motivated by power, selfishness, and condescension by those wanting to be masters. It leads to forced wealth distribution, brings out the worst in human nature, and results in an irresponsible society operating under a crippling sense of entitlement.

As you seek opportunities to help others, do so as a servant who views all human beings equally, not as a master seeking to control or manipulate your supposed beneficiaries. Equitable societies can only be achieved through voluntary public virtue, never through forced distribution.