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Literary notes about philanthropy (AI summary)

Philanthropy is portrayed in literature as a multifaceted term that can signal both genuine benevolence and subtle irony. At times it is presented as a broad concept with many subdivisions reflecting the evolution of charitable practice, highlighting how its forms vary with societal change [1]. In other contexts, the term is used with a note of skepticism or even criticism, as when its purported benefits are questioned or its sincerity undermined by social or political hypocrisy [2, 3]. Several authors also employ philanthropy as a marker of personal character and duty, imbuing it with both ethical weight and social significance [4, 5], while contrasting its purest forms with institutional, governmentally organized efforts that may fall short of true compassion [6, 7]. In this way, literature not only acknowledges the noble intent behind philanthropy but also examines its complexities and contradictions in a rapidly changing world [8, 9].
  1. Now philanthropy has many divisions and is of many kinds.
    — from The Works of the Emperor Julian, Vol. 2 by Emperor of Rome Julian
  2. Even philanthropy did not have the desired effect.
    — from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy
  3. "You are too charming to go in for philanthropy, Mr. Gray—far too charming."
    — from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
  4. What does he do that for? Philanthropy’s sake?’
    — from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens
  5. Mr. Pickwick’s countenance glowed with an expression of universal philanthropy, and Mr. Winkle and Mr. Snodgrass fell fast asleep.
    — from The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens
  6. In this respect it differed widely from the organized, official, and supervised philanthropy of our modern cities.
    — from Introduction to the Science of Sociology by E. W. Burgess and Robert Ezra Park
  7. Our present unsystematic private philanthropy does little good in proportion to the great expenditure it involves.
    — from The Jewish State by Theodor Herzl
  8. To encourage culture and philanthropy is all very well of course.
    — from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy
  9. It must represent, not simply governments, but civilization, science, commerce, social reform, religious philanthropy without sectarian propaganda.
    — from Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil by W. E. B. Du Bois

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