You only die once

Chapter 5C Giving while living

Chapter 5C

Giving while living

I am going to deviate a bit here. In my way of thinking, there have been only two persons whom I sincerely think have been a beacon to me. Their altruism and sincerity shines through them.

If there is ever a billionaire who don't want to be one, this was him. If there was a person who believed in the goodness of people and wanted to magnify it a thousand-fold, it would be him. He started the notion of 'Giving while living'. This has been hijacked by many to justify their giving, unfortunately with much fanfare. If there was another person who has given so much anonymously, I do not know him or her yet.

You must look up Atlantic Philanthropies. Do it fast as they have given their last grant and are probably devoid of any more money. Soon, the site may not exist. It is not a group of people. It is just one person. Only one person. Chuck Feeney. An American Irish man. One person. He has donated money to universities, medical research, and to help poor countries. He wanted to see the effects of his work in his lifetime and not start a foundation. Just like a doctor wants to see the value of his treatment for his patients. He did it in his way, a different way. If I am not mistaken, all the universities in Ireland gave him an honorary degree simultaneously for his contribution to society and the universities.

'Giving while living'. Well, it is not new. Many people have been giving while living. Just not in such a big manner. But then again, if you had 100 dollars and gave 99 dollars to someone in real need, then maybe you are an even bigger giver.

Feeney earned his money through his business in duty-free shops. He was one of the pioneers. He didn't want to unveil himself apparently but was forced to because he was allegedly accused of mismanagement of his shares in his businesses. So to prove he legitimately used the money, he had to unveil himself as the person behind Atlantic Philanthropies.

Even if I could be 10% of him in giving, it would be an honour. But alas, I am not there at all yet.

However, one should just give what you can whenever you can. When the opportunity arises, just help. If we all do that, we will be okay as humans caring for one another.

Oh yeah. I did say I would return to the topic of 'corporate social responsibility'. I really don't understand the term. Doesn't it ring bells? ADVERTISEMENT. The 'Americanos' allegedly invented this term. In healthcare, the bills are already daunting. The patients can be bankrupted. Then under 'corporate social responsibility', funds are used to help the ones that cannot afford. Sometimes with pictures taken and so forth. Does this actually make sense? Guess they think that since they gave up some earnings to fund the social responsibility, that's great. But, then they up the bills to get the money. Not great. Wouldn't it be better to help by lowering the bills especially when truly warranted?

When we do good, we feel good, don't we? A great late friend and colleague of mine that likes philosophy said to me that we do good to get that good feeling. Soon we are addicted to it. So we are actually selfish in our thoughts. We do it to feel good. Well, I guess if you put it that way, it is true.

But many a time, it is the pain and the sorrow that you see in the eyes that make you want to act. Not to feel good but actually feel relief. Just as I jumped behind a bus. Just as the paediatrician who would guarantee her patient's treatment. Or the parent who would do anything to save his son.

References: 

https://www.atlanticphilanthropies.org/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenbertoni/2020/09/15/exclusive-the-billionaire-who-wanted-to-die-brokeis-now-officially-broke/?sh=660a00f63a2a

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Feeney

Stay tuned for Chapter 6.  It will be up by 5th  of March 2021. 🙏🏼