Excerpt from Chapter Four:

“Those who have been embraced by a vision
(and embraced a vision), yet have not formulated a mission,
should perhaps ‘make finding a mission their mission.’”
(Burlingame et al, 106)

Each year, billions of dollars and countless hours of volunteer service are given to support civic and cultural activities, humanitarian programs, education, wildlife protection and preservation, environmental conservation, medical research, religious programs and more.

The social benefit of philanthropy touches every class, race, age, religion and economic stratum; and will positively influence all future generations. Yet, the question of why someone serves the needs of others defies simple answers. We must nevertheless seek an understanding because it’s intimately tied to our search for meaning or purpose for our lives — and on a broader scale, the meaning or purpose for our very existence.

There are as many motives for giving as there are givers — actually more, because rarely is there just one reason for giving. Philanthropy, in large measure, emanates from a bottomless wellspring of personal needs, desires, values, beliefs and intentions. Certainly, a noteworthy portion of contributions is given for less than purely philanthropic reasons — perhaps resulting from peer pressure or coercion; a desire for social standing, prestige or recognition; professional or business relationships; or a desire to sidestep irresponsible heirs.

Often, too, gifts result from the legitimate desire to receive income and estate tax savings; construct or execute a financial and/or estate plan (e.g., transfer assets to loved ones such as children or grandchildren, receive lifetime income, reduce or eliminate taxes); express gratitude — that is, repay what is perceived to be a debt to society; or memorialize, honor or pay tribute to a loved one.

While any one or combination of these motives may prompt someone to give, for the majority of gifts, there are other — and perhaps more complex and compelling — motivations.

The Acorn Within

“The St. Paul Principle: We are all being led along a road
to our personal Damascus and enlightenment.”

Philanthropy, of course, involves transferring money or other financial assets for the benefit of others. But as we have seen, it also relies upon hands-on personal effort through contributions of time and talents.

In the previous chapter, we discussed how in most instances, philanthropists have had a transforming experience in which an emotional and vibrant vision (or worthy ideal) of a better society planted itself in their souls and sought — with its own intention and energy — to be made real. James Hillman, in his groundbreaking book, The Soul’s Code, proposes that each of us comes into the world with an image or vision — an acorn planted in the garden of the soul — of what our life is intended to be (Hillman, 6).

Whether the image or vision is innate (an acorn in the soul), an inspired reaction to an emotionally charged event, a chance discovery, or a gradual unveiling of the “mystery of a calling” (Guinness, 52), it establishes in the philanthropist a solid inner consciousness from which to directly engage the world. It sparks a realization of what it is that person is supposed to be doing, a call to action, a call to be a positive part of the drama of human ascension — to contribute to the improvement and advancement of mankind; to make a contribution that perhaps no one else could make.

“What humankind most seeks
is the realization of the image within.”

Embracing the vision sparks a desire to act on it, to live it — nourishing the acorn in hopes it will become an oak. Living the vision, renewing daily the commitment to connect with and serve others, gives life new purpose and meaning. Giving time, talent and resources is an inevitable expression of our search to fulfill our inner vision or inner knowledge that this is what we are to be doing — perhaps pursuing a life entirely different from what existed before.

The seed or acorn within compels us to leave a legacy of hope, faith and commitment, to light a path for those who will be here after we are gone. It inspires philanthropists to perpetuate their vision through bequests, trusts, endowments or foundations. Like a pebble dropped into a still pool, a philanthropic legacy creates ripples that affect family, acquaintances, the community and — yes, quite possibly — the world.

Of great consequence is involving our children in the giving decision — thus passing on a social consciousness of giving and serving, and the realization of the impact they can have on society. Through our children, our giving may be carried on for generations, so the thread of our values continues to be woven in society.

 
“We all have drunk from wells we didn’t dig.”