The word “philanthropist” has Greek roots, and literally translated it means a person who loves people. Gradually, this term acquired a slightly different meaning. Now this word means a person who is ready to do charity work and help those who are suffering, that’s what a philanthropist is. The term "misanthrope" is generally accepted as the antonym of this word, meaning a person who avoids communication with people and treats them negatively.
First philanthropists
Mention of such people is found even in ancient texts. In ancient Rome, for example, they called people who donated personal wealth to help the state provide for the poor. Most often, wealthy patricians who had such an opportunity did this. Sometimes the church also took part in charitable activities , although most often donations were made exclusively to maintain authority, so it can hardly be said that a true philanthropist would have done so. The meaning of this word implies that everything is done free of charge.
Funds
Even in spite of the fact that a significant part of the donations of the powerful are carried out solely for the sake of raising their ratings, they are in any case beneficial. In order to encourage wealthy people to part with their funds, special organizations and funds are created to raise money for those who really need them. Many of these organizations exist for specific tasks, for example, to collect for the needs of orphans, seriously ill people or refugees.
Forbes Magazine List
The American Forbes magazine, which regularly publishes a wide variety of ratings, has not ignored 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 at the same time the richest people on the planet.
Bill and Melinda Gates
This couple clearly knows who the philanthropist is, because in 2012 alone, they donated almost $ 2 billion of their fortune. Once in Africa, the Gates were able to independently see in what terrible conditions the locals live. Since then, they began to make significant donations aimed at the needs of the poor.
Warren Buffett
The state of this well-known philanthropist is not so great, however, every year he transfers to the foundation created by the Gates family record amounts, being one of the most generous people on the planet.
George Soros
The total amount of donations of this legendary personality from Wall Street reaches 10 billion dollars. His interests affect the most diverse problems of our time. He donated incredible amounts to various studies, the socialization of Americans, and even to sterilizing needles.
Mark Zuckerberg
The name of this person is known to most thanks to the fact that he created a popular social network. But not everyone knows that he donated more than $ 500 million for a wide variety of needs, ranging from grants for gifted people to the development of free schools.
Family walton
It is in the United States that many popular philanthropists live. Famous members of the Walton family donated at least $ 4.6 billion to those in need. Elin Walton, known for her generosity, parted with huge sums for the development of American art.
Eli and Edith Broad
These American billionaires made their fortunes in the construction industry. Edith Broad is now actively involved in promoting museums and institutions.
Michael Bloomberg
Former New York Mayor donated to 850 different foundations. He did not forget about his alma mater, nor about the environment. Bloomberg's “care” was expressed in an amount that almost reaches $ 2.5 billion.
Paul Allen
One of the founders of Microsoft knows exactly who the philanthropist is. He is devoted to science, for the development of which he has already donated at least $ 2 billion. Thanks to him, an institute dedicated to the study of the brain was even created.
Chuck Feeney
The amount of funds with which this American billionaire broke up is almost equal to his current state and reaches the figure of 6.3 billion dollars. He plans to part with all his means, for which he visits the poorest countries and creates funds himself.
Gordon and Betty Moore
The famous couple has been engaged in donations for many years. They sponsor a wide range of areas, from nursing education to science and environmental protection.
Output
It’s quite simple to explain who the philanthropist is, but even about people who donated billions to the needs of others, it’s not safe to say that this term applies to them. The essence of this phenomenon is not only in parting with one’s own funds for the benefit of others. This should not be done in the name of glory, but solely for the salvation of others, only in this case, we can proudly say: "I am a philanthropist." The meaning of the word is quite broad, but do not forget that first of all it describes a person whose intentions are sincere.