The Greek word “φιλάνθρωπος” consists of the word “φίλος” friend and the word “ἄνθρωπος” human. So the meaning of the word philanthropist has the meaning of “friend of humans”. However, offer today’s philanthropist the need of the asker or do they suppress them or do not notice them?
It is of course most excellent to notice your fellow human beings as a friend and to offer them support and guidance in such a way that they not only become nourished, but also increase their conscious awareness, enlarge their standard of life, and develop themselves in such a way that they become independent.
The question rises of these persons who call themselves philanthropists really guide their fellow humans to an increased consciousness awareness and self-support? Or do they with this “philanthropy model suppress their fellow humans in order to be respected by peers meanwhile gaining tax advantages and advantages through public respect?
First I thought, well they consider others and want to be connected with unknown people who need a helping hand. Philanthropists were acting as “noblesse oblige”. Meaning that if you arise above the average person in wealth, you need to give others whatever they need in order to get a higher living standard. Or as the Bible would say divide what you have, like for instance breaking bread or the Good Samaritan.
At present philanthropists like to entertain others by giving them food, some money and materials like a goat for example. Such philanthropists become famous and most respected by a large audience. However, is this what these poor people in essence need? Is this really a philanthropist or a philanthropic organization in the original meaning of the word?
Nowadays, philanthropist or philanthropic organizations have millions or billions to spend. For example in the Netherlands it is 5 Billion euro’s a year. A large part of this amount is for the organization. Also such persons or organizations benefit from tax advantages. They benefit also from the travel arrangements that are considered business expenses paid in fact by the tax payer.
Many people consider these famous ridge philanthropists as benefactors. But are they really a benefactor? Some do. But what about most of these philanthropists?
Many people in demand for money, insight or goods have become dependent of such philanthropic persons and organizations and do not have any self esteem left. They just have learned to put up their hand. During the centuries philanthropists have become suppressors. They judge who gets something and who doesn’t.
They have no deep inner sight in whatever intrinsic need these persons have. They just act on the extrinsic situation and offer them life support often just for a moment. Such people in need then suffer even more and suffer longer. People in demand often become supplied with goods they do not need, goods that are almost spoiled or they get a goat. While a goat in a country where goats do not exists and eat all the remaining plants in order that such countries get more drought and thus also more cattle and people who starve from famine.
Philanthropists have become addicted to being adored and the gratitude that poor people show. They became addicted to their hierarchical position in society that offers them respect and money. Thus they like to continue as they gain money and prestige while acting as such. They act like a God and condemn the person who asks for what he really needs. Many philanthropists demand that they only give support for project X. Meaning the door is closed for people in need for help who do not fit in this tiny dogmatic frame.
Meanwhile huge rapports have appeared about the waist of money and the fact that poor people become suppressed and addicted to help.
A real philanthropist however, mingles with ordinary people and gives them what they need and likes to be unnoticed. It are people who have learned what life means and like to help others to become living alive people with an increased conscious awareness. This is the original altruistic meaning of the word philanthropist; completely unconditional and without judgment.
