The word "philanthropist" has Greek roots, and literally means a person who loves people. Gradually, the term took on a slightly different meaning. Now this word denotes a person who is ready to do charity work for free and help the suffering, that's what a philanthropist is. The antonym of this word is considered to be the term "misanthrope", denoting a person who avoids communication with people and treats them negatively.
First philanthropists
Mentions of such people are found even in ancient texts. In ancient Rome, for example, this was the name given to people who donated personal we alth to help the state provide for the poor. Most often, this was done by we althy patricians who had such an opportunity. Sometimes the church also took part in charitable activities, although most often donations were made exclusively formaintaining authority, so it is hardly possible to say that a real philanthropist would do so. The meaning of this word implies that everything is free of charge.
Funds
Even though a significant part of the donations of the powerful of this world is carried out solely for the sake of raising their ratings, they are in any case useful. In order to encourage we althy people to part with their funds, special organizations and funds are created to raise money for those who really need it. Many of these organizations exist for specific purposes, such as gathering for the needs of orphans, seriously ill people or refugees.
Forbes magazine list
The American magazine "Forbes", which regularly publishes a variety of ratings, did not ignore philanthropists. Therefore, it was decided to create a list of 50 people who donated the largest amount to the needs of the poor. It is not at all surprising that 40 representatives of this list are simultaneously the richest people on the planet.
Bill and Melinda Gates
The couple definitely know what a philanthropist is, as they donated almost $2 billion of their we alth in 2012 alone. For the first time in Africa, the Gates spouses were able to see for themselves in what terrible conditions the locals live. Since then, they have begun to make significant donations aimed at the needs of the poor.
Warren Buffett
The state of this well-knownthe philanthropist is not so big, nevertheless, he annually transfers record amounts to the fund created by the Gates family, being one of the most generous people on the planet.
George Soros
This Wall Street legend has donated over $10 billion in donations. His interests cover a wide variety of contemporary issues. He donated incredible amounts to various research, the socialization of Americans and even the sterilization of needles.
Mark Zuckerberg
The name of this man is known to most due to the fact that he created a popular social network. But not everyone knows that he has donated more than $500 million to a variety of needs, ranging from grants for gifted people to the development of free schools.
The W alton Family
It is in the USA that many popular philanthropists live. Prominent members of the W alton family have donated at least $4.6 billion to those in need. Elin W alton, known for her generosity, is parting with huge sums to promote American art.
Eli and Edith Broad
These American billionaires made their fortune in the construction industry. Now Edith Brod is actively involved in helping museums and institutions.
Michael Bloomberg
The former mayor of New York donated to 850 different foundations. He did not forget about his alma mater, nor about the environment. Bloomberg's "concern" was expressed in an amount that almost reaches $2.5 billion.
Paul Allen
One of the founders of Microsoft knows exactly what a philanthropist is. He is devoted to science, for the development of which he has already donated at least $ 2 billion. He even created an institute dedicated to the study of the brain.
Chuck Feeney
The amount of funds that this American billionaire parted with is almost equal to his current state and reaches a figure of 6.3 billion dollars. He plans to part with all his funds, for which he visits the poorest countries and creates funds himself.
Gordon and Betty Moore
The famous couple have been donating for years. They sponsor areas ranging from nursing education to science and the environment.
Conclusion
It's pretty easy to explain what a philanthropist is, but even people who have donated billions to the needs of others cannot be said with certainty that this term applies to them. The essence of this phenomenon is not only to part with their funds for the benefit of others. This should be done not in the name of glory, but solely for the sake of saving others, only in this case it is possible to proudly say: "I am a philanthropist." The meaning of the word is quite broad, but do not forget that in the first place it describes a person whose intentions are sincere.
