Rational Giving
The value - and danger - of charity
The act of charity has largely been one of those practices where (almost) everyone - at minimum - agrees is a positive good, especially for those in need. Whether one should ‘provide’ is seldom questioned, though the expectations of how much (of themselves, and of their treasure) they - we - should offer? That is oft a topic of discussion.
We explore that subject here, with this latest ‘Page’ drop.
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This post is pretty straight-forward; as such, there is very little preamble necessary. To further that point, there will also be no ‘After-Thoughts’ like I normally include in nearly all of these missives. The ‘Page’ before you speaks for itself; what you choose to do with it, is entirely up to you.
Per usual with these entries brevity is rigorously pursued, and that is facilitated in part by deploying a terse, baroque writing style. Being that this is a ‘Page’ from my upcoming book, it is an aspect of my spiritual and philosophical path, and is thus personal canon.
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PAGE OF CHARITY
Much has been made regarding the value of caring for the less fortunate among us. Indeed, there is much goodness in charity toward others - so being it is voluntary and provided in a wise manner - as we are naturally predisposed to feel compassion for those in genuine need. If the charitable group or action is responsible toward those it serves then that which you provide it shall be both gratifying and rewarding.
Charity without responsibility, however, is oft more harmful than helpful, for it locks the recipient into a vicious, never-ending cycle of ‘need.’ Judge strongly before supporting a charitable group or action, ever remembering that the safety net used to catch someone when they fall can oft be the same net which ensnares them.
One must also be wary of the motives and agendas behind the entity convincing you to offer them support. Be cautious of they who beg in the name of others, always questioning their interests and integrity. Suspicion is also warranted with those who employ emotional manipulation or shifty coercion in their efforts; in all such cases, trust them not.
The greatest charity one can offer, of course, is one which moves the recipient away from 'need' and into a position of self-reliance. It has been written that if you give an individual a fish you feed them for a day - teach them to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime.
Those were wise words, but consider this: If you teach one how to teach themselves, they never have to be ‘taught’ anything again. This is the most powerful charity one can offer another, for it opens up unlimited opportunities, liberates the enslaved, and assures they never have to rely upon anyone else ever again.
That charity - that gift - is found in literacy. Indeed, those who have the capability to read, to educate themselves, are never at the complete mercy of others. It is the most potent weapon an individual can wield... so long as they have the ability and the opportunity to engage it.
This gift is so revered that there are those who have risked everything for the slim chance to claim it as their own. Being as such - if and when the spirit of charity moves you - give of yourself or your earnings to that which drives toward universal literacy; do this, with a glad heart and measured sagacity, as your means permit.
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Notes…
-- Unless otherwise credited, all images were created by the author, using Substack’s AI Image Generator.
I couldn’t agree more. Charity is good in case people run into a difficulty beyond their capacity, as a one off.
If it concerns a group, it’s good to check out their track record. How do they spend, how much goes to overhead, etc.
As always, your sound judgement is a breathnof fresh air.
March of Dimes is called the March of Dimes because the impoverished recipient receives a dime out of every dollar donated to the organization. They operate the same way as most charities and some even worse. Little money ends up in the hands of the poor. At least the March of Dimes is upfront about their percentages.