I propose to provide for them in such a manner as instead of being a charge upon their parents or the parish, or wanting food and raiment for the rest of their lives, they shall on the contrary contribute to the feeding, and partly to the clothing, of many thousands.
I think this is the thesis.
Nevertheless, to appease his wife, he recently went back into real estate, made some money and bought the family a larger home. But he still remains committed to giving away as much as possible, subject only to keeping his domestic life reasonably tranquil.
In my opinion that's a great way to live no matter how much money you have.
In an article I wrote more than three decades ago, at the time of a humanitarian emergency in what is now Bangladesh, I used the example of walking by a shallow pond and seeing a small child who has fallen in and appears to be in danger of drowning. Even though we did nothing to cause the child to fall into the pond, almost everyone agrees that if we can save the child at minimal inconvenience or trouble to ourselves, we ought to do so. Anything else would be callous, indecent and, in a word, wrong. The fact that in rescuing the child we may, for example, ruin a new pair of shoes is not a good reason for allowing the child to drown. Similarly if for the cost of a pair of shoes we can contribute to a health program in a developing country that stands a good chance of saving the life of a child, we ought to do so.
Good point.
At that point we reached our destination. Had the journey continued, I might have tried to persuade him that people can earn large amounts only when they live under favorable social circumstances, and that they don’t create those circumstances by themselves. I could have quoted Warren Buffett’s acknowledgment that society is responsible for much of his wealth
Just like celebrities who I believe are in the position they are in thanks to their fans.
When wealthy people give away money, we can always say that they are doing it to ease their consciences or generate favorable publicity.
Or tax write off. But some of the Christian people give back because they believe, that is the way to continue to get blessed, by blessing others.
And how do our judgments about them reflect on our own way of living?
For those who believe that the rich give enough, then those should follow the example, and for those that don't believe that the rich give enough, should learn from that and stay willing to help those in need at all times.
Most of the world’s poorest people are undernourished, lack access to safe drinking water or even the most basic health services and cannot send their children to school.
This reminds me of what's going on in Flint Michigan.
Chattel- a personal possession.
Urchins- poor and dirty child who annoys people or causes minor trouble.
Perplexed- Completely baffled; very puzzled.