Who is a philanthropist? The most outstanding philanthropists of our time

The word "philanthropist" has Greek roots, and in literal translation it means a person who loves people. Gradually this term acquired a slightly different meaning. Now this word denotes a person who is ready to engage in charitable activities for free and help the suffering, that's who such a philanthropist. The term "misanthrope" is used as antonym of this word, meaning a person who avoids communication with people and treats them negatively.

The first philanthropists

Mentions about such people are found even in ancient texts. In ancient Rome, for example, the so-called people who donated personal wealth to help the state provide the poor. Most often this was done by wealthy patricians who had such an opportunity. Sometimes the church took part in charitable activities, although most donations were carried out solely to maintain authority, so it's hardly possible to say that a real philanthropist would do so. The meaning of this word implies that everything is done free of charge.

Foundations

Even though a large part of the donations of the powerful are done solely for the sake of raising their ratings, they in any case benefit. To encourage wealthy people to part with their means, special organizations and funds are created that collect money for those who really need them. Many of these organizations exist for specific tasks, for example, for the collection of orphans, seriously ill people or refugees.

List of Forbes Magazines

The American Forbes magazine, which regularly publishes the most varied ratings, did not ignore philanthropists. Therefore, it was decided to create a list of 50 people who donated the most amount to the needs of the poor. It is not surprising that 40 representatives of this list are at the same time the richest people on the planet.

Bill and Melinda Gates

This couple definitely knows who the philanthropist is, because only in 2012 they donated almost 2 billion dollars of their wealth. For the first time in Africa, the Gates' spouses were able to see for themselves, in what terrible conditions local people live. Since then, they began to make significant donations aimed at the needs of the poor.

Warren Buffett

The state of this well-known philanthropist is not that big, however he annually remembers the record fund created by the Gates family as one of the most generous people on the planet.

George Soros

The total amount of donations of this legendary person from Wall Street reaches 10 billion dollars. His interests affect the most diverse problems of our time. He sacrificed incredible sums for various studies, the socialization of Americans and even the sterilization of needles.

Mark Zuckerberg

The name of this person is known to most people due to the fact that he created a popular social network. But not everyone knows that he donated more than $ 500 million for a variety of needs, from grants to gifted people to the development of free schools.

Walton Family

It is in the United States that many popular philanthropists live. Famous members of the Walton family donated at least 4.6 billion dollars to the needy. Elin Walton, known for her generosity, part with huge sums for the development of American art.

Eli and Edith Brod

These American billionaires have made their fortune in the construction industry. Now Edith Brod takes an active part in the promotion of museums and institutes.

Michael Bloomberg

The former mayor of New York made donations to 850 different funds. He did not forget about his alma mater, nor about the environment. "Care" Bloomberg expressed in the amount, which almost reaches 2.5 billion dollars.

Paul Allen

One of the founders of Microsoft knows exactly who the philanthropist is. He is devoted to science, the development of which has already donated at least $ 2 billion. Thanks to him, even an institute was created that deals with the study of the brain.

Chuck Fini

The amount of funds with which this American billionaire broke up is almost equal to its current state and reaches a figure of $ 6.3 billion. He plans to part with all his funds, for which he visits the poorest countries and himself creates funds.

Gordon and Betty Moore

A well-known couple has been engaged in donations for many years. They sponsor a wide variety of fields, from nursing education to science and the environment.

Conclusion

It's easy to explain who a philanthropist is, but even about people who have donated billions to the needs of others, it is not safe to say that this term is applicable to them. The essence of this phenomenon is not only to part with your own funds for the benefit of others. Do it not in the name of glory, but solely for the sake of saving others, only in this case it is possible to assert with pride: "I am a philanthropist". The meaning of the word is wide enough, but do not forget that in the first place it describes a person whose intentions are sincere.