Philanthropy

Literally the "love of mankind", the showing of generosity to others, whether dependants, friends or strangers, is emphasized in all major religions. Both Christianity and Buddhism regard good works as "laying up treasure in heaven" and as beneficial to the giver as well as the receiver; Islam extols the giving of alms above the obligatory duties of taxpaying; Judaism demands the payment of one tenth of one's income for philanthropic purposes, the remission of debts in sabbatical and jubilee years, and the rights of the landless and poor to glean fields after harvest. Philanthropy has been the basis for the foundation of universities, schools, hospitals, alms houses and religious institutions. It is particularly characteristic of individualistic societies emphasizing personal freedom where activities associated with philanthropy are not automatically handed over to state or organized religion.