Mauriat Miranda     mjmwired

On Philanthropy

From reading Fear of philanthropy, the following question is presented in regards to donations and charity: "how much is enough?". A good read with some interesting points.

My adopted philosophy is quite simple: Give out of need, not out of abundance. What I share comes out of my pocket, so I will decide how much based on the gravity of the need. Sticking to some percentage seems far less ... considerate.

Posted in: Life, Philosophy,

5 Comments:

  • Anon on March 27, 2010 ~ 09:09 AM

    And how do you measure the gravity of the need, when you can't avert your eyes or ears?
    It does not make you a better man to simply whip out a checkbook and write out your share!

    Why do you feel the need to give at all? Is it to
    fulfill some lifelong tradition that we've seen our parents do when they pay a fixed % of their annual income to the church or to the plethora of charities that come knocking on your door? I know so many people who don't give to charity, nada, make no mistake, it's not because they can't afford it, it's because they simply don't believe it will make a difference or they
    simply wait for the billionares to do their part!

    I think it makes me most happy when I donate my time and then of course money, but that which has come through some sacrifice. Sending a cheque to MOC after going through a whole month of not eating out makes me more content than simply paying from the pocket with no forethought! Of course, that should not stop you from doing it.

  • Mauriat Miranda on March 27, 2010 ~ 11:11 AM

    Giving is ultimately for selfish reasons. I won't deny that.

  • Anon on March 29, 2010 ~ 08:08 AM

    Actually at the very base of giving is 'guilt', most often than not!

  • me on April 15, 2010 ~ 09:21 PM

    i pretty much dont give out, period. y? cuz 99% of da time, it fits da "give a man a fish" result. i'll only give if i'm convinced my resources (be it time or $), teaches a man how to fish.

    & dat rarely happens…

  • me on April 15, 2010 ~ 09:21 PM

    dat u and i agree dat der exists no such thing as "true" altruism.

    if it does, iz a pathology….