Recent philanthropic announcements remind us that billionaires are just as compassionate and charitable as any average citizen. Some want others to believe that financially prosperous people are not altruistic or caring citizens. For some strange reason, there is this myth that billionaires and the wealthiest among us are all greedy and self-consumed, and could care less about those who happen to be less fortunate or the suffering and hardship that is all around us. There is a tendency to demonize individuals and institutions for their wealth accumulation and how they choose to spend their resources. Legitimate or not, these criticisms cannot be ascribed to wealthy philanthropists who dedicate much of their treasure to causes much greater than themselves and their own circumstances. Contrary to popular belief, our nation has historically been inspired by the willingness and capacity of wealthy elites to donate large portions of their fortunes to needs and organizations that impact people’s lives in profound ways for generations. For people all across the economic spectrum, personal philanthropy choices and decisions are very often grounded in the belief that “unto whom much is given much is required.” This sentiment knows no boundaries and is exhibited by people and organizations that possess large as well as small fortunes. Real, meaningful, and lasting philanthropy originates from the heart and must not be judged or critiqued. 

Bill and Melinda Gates, along with Warren Buffett have established a new model and precedent for billionaire philanthropists. Their recent challenge issued to fellow billionaires to donate most of their riches to address the major issues confronting us domestically and abroad is an amazing call to action, especially during an era in which unusual times do warrant unusual sacrifice. This goes well beyond the notion of equal sacrifice. Aside from the fact that the Gates family fortune has been primarily dedicated to very large and seemingly intractable social and public health challenges, this level of giving sets a new standard and displays real philanthropic leadership. These kinds of efforts dispel the myths and criticisms that are so easily hurled at financially prosperous people. The wealthy class of society is no different than any other economic class, meaning some wealthy people and some not so wealthy people are more inclined toward philanthropy. The ties that bind us are our concerns for the conditions around us and a sense of compassion that causes us to share our wealth in ways that respond to human suffering and social needs. Surely we can all rejoice and be glad about a spirit of generosity that leads to the mitigation of suffering for many as well as solutions to social or health problems that have persisted far too long. Ultimately, philanthropy in and of itself is better than none at all, especially if there are no strings attached.