The Daily Lobo sat down with anthropologist David Dinwoodie to find out why some people help others and expect nothing in return.
Daily Lobo: Why do people engage in philanthropy and charity?
David Dinwoodie: People like Andrew Carnegie, who gave money he made in business for institutions like libraries - his idea was that the purpose of money was to establish an active citizenry. In effect, money wasn't the end. It was one thing that you could use to cultivate an active and engaged citizenry who live meaningful lives. He enabled people to contribute to society as a whole.
DL: Has that changed over time?
DD: Marcel Mauss, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, argued that people no longer had a common purpose, and because they could make money individually, they were going their separate ways. This was around the time of World War I, and society was in turmoil caused by impulses in western society. People had to take into better account the way societies created consensus and interdependence. People would give gifts to each other, and when a gift was received there was an obligation to give a gift in return.
DL: Is philanthropy still important today?
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
DD: Even simple acts of grace, like the recognition of other citizens and the giving of respect is an act of sharing that can create a stronger society.
