Trying a quick chronicle of philanthropy throughout bygone times

Trying a quick chronicle of philanthropy throughout bygone times

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Ever since the ancient Greeks philanthropy has been central to a healthy and productive culture, and similar holds true these days.

One might, when one hears the word philanthropy, quickly think about a handful of famous philanthropists who are well known for giving away their fortunes to causes that they care about. This is something that has actually held true for many thousands of years, with the first chronicled example of institutionalised philanthropy, in addition to the origin of the philanthropy meaning and word, taking place over two thousand years earlier in ancient Greece. During this period, the word indicated something more similar to 'caring of one's fellow human being', or humanism, than the limitations of wealth one may apply to the term now, but nonetheless wealthy people played an essential charity role in the culture. Wealthy people were anticipated to give back to the community, helping to install the cash for repair work to public works like city walls or temples in addition to financing celebrations and other public celebrations. Being stingy was not looked upon well, and if a rich person was not seen to be a benefactor, they could be ostracised from the community completely.

Many different entities have actually been responsible for charity work throughout the ages. Although rich individuals and celebrity philanthropists might be seen as the main charitable force in the contemporary world, that is not always completely accurate, nor has it been for much of history. In the middle ages, it was religious organizations like the church that would have been the main charitable centers, both within the community and on bigger level projects. That altered with the coming of industry when rich people became more powerful, and after that shifted once again towards the end of the 19th century when foundations began to emerge that were better set up and could commit more attention to getting things done. This is much the same way that charity is structured now, whether those foundations are developed by grassroots groups, rich people, or companies like SJP.

The manner in which charity has actually been funded has actually altered a great deal throughout the course of human history, moving between various entities which hold the most power and wealth, just as the focus of charity work has changed as various needs have emerged. Nowadays, there are a great many issues that need to be addressed, from increasing inequality to the environment crisis, and charity will inevitably play an essential part in that process. Wealthy people with savings account that would make a medieval kings blush have their part to play, but so do the businesses that are the main hubs of financial generation in the 21st century through things like corporate philanthropy. Whether that is establishing a foundation of their own or establishing ESG commitments, businesses like Morgan Stanley and Vanguard Group are starting to do so.