Exploring philanthropy examples across the aeons

Exploring philanthropy examples across the aeons

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Charity is not a modern phenomenon by any means, but has a rich and progressing history that stretches 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 care about. This is something that has been the case for lots of thousands of years, with the very first documented instance of institutionalised philanthropy, along with the genesis of the philanthropy meaning and word, happening over two thousand years ago in ancient Greece. Throughout this period, the word implied something more akin to 'caring of one's fellow human being', or humanism, than the limitations of wealth one might apply to the term today, however nevertheless wealthy people played an essential charity role in the culture. Wealthy people were anticipated to give back to the society, helping to install the cash for repairs to public works like city walls or temples along with financing festivals and other public events. Being stingy was not regarded well, and if a rich person was not seen to be a benefactor, they could be ostracised from the community completely.

Various entities have been accountable for charity work throughout the ages. Although wealthy people and celebrity philanthropists may be viewed as the central charitable force in the modern world, that is not always entirely 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 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 nowadays, whether those foundations are created by grassroots groups, wealthy people, or companies like SJP.

The manner in which charity has actually 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 emerged. Now, there are a great many issues that need to be resolved, from increasing inequality to the environment crisis, and charity will inevitably play an essential part in that process. Rich people with savings account that would make a middle ages 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 setting up a foundation of their own or establishing ESG dedications, businesses like Morgan Stanley and Vanguard Group are beginning to do so.