Attempting a quick chronicle of philanthropy through bygone times

Attempting a quick chronicle of philanthropy through bygone times

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Charity is not a contemporary phenomenon by any means, but has a rich and evolving history that extends over 2 thousands years.

One might, when one hears the word philanthropy, instantly consider a handful of famous philanthropists who are well known for handing out their fortunes to causes that they care about. This is something that has held true for many thousands of years, with the very first chronicled instance of institutionalised philanthropy, as well as the genesis of the philanthropy meaning and word, happening over two thousand years earlier in ancient Greece. Throughout this period, the word suggested something more similar to 'loving of one's fellow human', or humanism, than the limitations of wealth one might apply to the term nowadays, however nevertheless rich people played an important charity role in the culture. Rich people were anticipated to give back to the community, assisting to set up the cash for repair work to public works like city walls or temples in addition to financing celebrations and other public celebrations. Being stingy was not regarded well, and if a wealthy individual was not seen to be a benefactor, they could be ostracised from the community completely.

Various entities have actually been accountable for charity work throughout the ages. Although wealthy people and celebrity philanthropists may be seen as the main charitable force in the modern world, that is not always completely 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 hubs, both within the community and on bigger level projects. That altered with the coming of industry when rich people became more powerful, and after that shifted once again towards the end of the nineteenth century when foundations started to spring up that were much better organised and could devote more attention to getting things done. This is much the same manner in which charity is structured today, whether those foundations are built by grassroots groups, wealthy people, or businesses like SJP.

The way that charity has actually been funded has actually changed a lot throughout the course of human history, moving between different entities which hold the most power and wealth, just as the focus of charity work has actually changed as various needs have actually emerged. These days, there are a great many concerns that have to be resolved, from increasing inequality to the climate crisis, and charity will undoubtedly play an important part in that process. Rich individuals with savings account that would make a medieval kings blush have their part to play, however so do the companies that are the main hubs of monetary generation in the twenty-first century through things like corporate philanthropy. Whether that is establishing a foundation of their own or establishing ESG dedications, companies like Morgan Stanley and Vanguard Group are beginning to do so.