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].
- Now philanthropy has many divisions and is of many kinds.
— from The Works of the Emperor Julian, Vol. 2 by Emperor of Rome Julian - Even philanthropy did not have the desired effect.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - "You are too charming to go in for philanthropy, Mr. Gray—far too charming."
— from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde - What does he do that for? Philanthropy’s sake?’
— from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - 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 - 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 - Our present unsystematic private philanthropy does little good in proportion to the great expenditure it involves.
— from The Jewish State by Theodor Herzl - To encourage culture and philanthropy is all very well of course.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - 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