Reaching out to touch a life is a choice. A choice best motivated by love not by guilt, by gratitude, not obligation,
and a choice motivated by helping others rather than simply helping yourself.
What is philanthropy?
It is not something only reserved for the rich. It is not something we do to fill our spare time. It is more than just something to make us feel good.
Philanthropy is derived from the Greek philanthropia, meaning “love for mankind”. I believe we all can be philanthropists – it can be as simple as reaching out and touching a life.
Philanthropy can play an important part both in our personal development and in the transfer of wealth to the next generation. It can provide “classrooms of real life” to help us establish our values and recognize our skills. By doing so we gain insight into our calling – what we want to do, what we can do, and what we can afford to do.
Philanthropy takes us out of comfort zone by changing the focus from simply about us to helping others. Winston Churchill understood this when he said: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Philanthropy can provide so many benefits:
- A focus for our personal growth
- An opportunity to share our values
- The possibility of new adventures in our lives
- New contacts in our search for significance
- The prospect of leaving a legacy
The following essays discuss the important part philanthropy can play in all stages of life. Leaving a Legacy
