Trying a short chronicle of philanthropy through the past

Trying a short chronicle of philanthropy through the past

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Charity is not a modern phenomenon by any means, but has an abundant and progressing history that extends over two thousands years.

One might, when one hears the word philanthropy, instantly consider a handful of famous philanthropists who are well known for distributing their fortunes to causes that they appreciate. This is something that has been the case for lots of thousands of years, with the very first recorded example of institutionalised philanthropy, in addition to the inception of the philanthropy meaning and word, occurring over 2 thousand years back in ancient Greece. During this duration, the word indicated something more similar to 'caring of one's fellow human', or humanism, than the limitations of wealth one might apply to the term nowadays, but nonetheless rich individuals played a crucial charity role in the culture. Rich people were expected to give back to the society, helping to set up the cash for repair work to public works like city walls or temples as well as funding celebrations and other public celebrations. Being pinchpenny 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.

Various 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 modern 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 ventures. That altered with the coming of industry when rich individuals ended up being more powerful, and then moved again towards the end of the 19th century when foundations started to spring up that were much better organised and could dedicate more attention to getting things done. This is much the same way that charity is structured now, whether those foundations are established by grassroots groups, rich people, or companies like SJP.

The manner in which charity has been funded has actually changed a good deal throughout the course of human history, moving in between different entities which hold the most power and wealth, just as the focus of charity work has actually changed as different requirements have actually emerged. These days, there are a great many concerns that need to be dealt with, from growing inequality to the climate crisis, and charity will inevitably play a crucial role in that process. Rich people with checking account that would make a middle ages kings blush have their part to play, but so do the businesses that are the main centers of financial generation in the twenty-first century through things like corporate philanthropy. Whether that is setting up a foundation of their own or developing ESG dedications, companies like Morgan Stanley and Vanguard Group are beginning to do so.