Trying a short chronicle of philanthropy through bygone times

Trying a short chronicle of philanthropy through bygone times

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Charity is not a modern-day phenomenon by any means, but has an abundant and developing history that stretches over 2 thousands years.

One might, when one hears the word philanthropy, instantly think of a handful of famous philanthropists who are well known for handing out their fortunes to causes that they appreciate. This is something that has actually been the case for many thousands of years, with the first documented instance of institutionalised philanthropy, as well as the inception of the philanthropy meaning and word, happening over 2 thousand years back in ancient Greece. During this duration, the word suggested something more comparable to 'caring of one's fellow human being', or humanism, than the limitations of wealth one might apply to the term these days, but nevertheless rich people played an essential charity role in the culture. Wealthy people were expected to give back to the community, assisting to set up the cash for repairs to public works like city walls or temples along with funding festivals and other public celebrations. Being pinchpenny was not regarded well, and if a wealthy person was not seen to be a benefactor, they could be ostracised from the society altogether.

Several entities have actually been responsible for charity work throughout the ages. Although wealthy people and celebrity philanthropists might be seen as the main charitable force in the contemporary world, that is not necessarily totally true, nor has it been for much of history. In the middle ages, it was spiritual institutions like the church that would have been the primary charitable centers, both within the community and on bigger level ventures. That changed with the coming of commercial enterprise when wealthy people became more powerful, and after that shifted once again towards the end of the nineteenth century when foundations began to emerge that were better set up and could devote more attention to getting things done. This is much the same manner in which charity is structured these days, whether those foundations are developed by grassroots groups, rich individuals, or businesses like SJP.

The manner in which charity has been financed has 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 requirements have emerged. Now, there are a great many issues that have to be attended to, from widening inequality to the climate crisis, and charity will undoubtedly play a crucial role in that process. Rich people with bank accounts that would make a medieval kings blush have their part to play, but so do the firms that are the main hubs 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, businesses like Morgan Stanley and Vanguard Group are beginning to do so.