Quotes about Philanthropy

James Russell Lowell wrote: It's not what we give but what we share, For the gift without the giver is bare. Who gives of himself of his alms feeds three, Himself, his hungering neighbor, and me.

The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.

Men in no way approach so nearly to the gods as in doing good to men.

It is better to give than receive- especially advice.

But I also happen to be someone who believes in tithing--the giving of a tenth .

The age looks steadily to the redressing of wrong, to the righting of every form of error and injustice; and a tireless and prying philanthropy, which is almost omniscient, is one of the most hopeful characteristics of the time.

The problem of our age is the proper administration of wealth, so that the ties of brotherhood may still bind together the rich and poor in harmonious relationship.

quite compelling its admonition to use wealth as a means to be generous and not just as an end in itself.

Love is not patronizing and charity isn't about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same -- with charity you give love, so don't just give money but reach out your hand instead.

What we do is less than a drop in the ocean. But if it were missing, the ocean would lack something.

I try not to speak about all the charities and people I help, because I believe we can only be truly generous when we expect nothing in return.

For example, a good deal of what appears as generous philanthropy is really the fruit of prideful self-love disguised as generosity and reaching out for the validation of public approval and social esteem—and in the process creating enormous social benefits.12 It "gives to get" as a matter of an unspoken contract, rather than "giving because given to," which is the expression of true charity.