On June 16th, 2010, Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett launched a campaign to ask every billionaire in USA to pledge to give away 50% of their wealth for philanthropy. Needless to say, it has created more than a big stir in the economical world.
One of the interesting things about it is that it's a moral contract or commitment: The pledge has no legal obligation. In this world of so many laws and enforcement agencies, this tells and convinces people to do things from their hearts and own willingness. There is no one but we ourselves facing the social responsibility to the world.It's going to be great help and have wonderful impact, both psychologically and in actual fact, to the world in terms of education, cultural, medical, healthcare, public policies, international aids and etc.
While most of the media have been focusing on how Gates and Buffett act so philanthropically with their great wealth, there have been skepticism about their motives and the methods to do it right. Nonetheless, it's great news for the seemingly selfish world.I have a feeling it's not only the amount of money that has strong impact to the philanthropic world; the initiative will pose great significance in the culture of returning to the society.
The world is changing. Some of the old rigid golden rules of ancient societies may not seem very welcome by the new and younger generations. These days many people look upon the rich and famous and many fancy their materialistic lifestyle and glamor. So if the rich and famous can set a trend of donation frenzy, why not?So, one may wonder if the rich and famous are running the show, what about common people like you and me? I've been thinking about this for a while. In fact, many ancient thinkers have thought about this and some wonderful concepts have always been around for long.
Below is one of those concepts I believe work well:
The poor must work harder in contributing for charitable activities QUIETLY, CONSISTENTLY and hopefully UNKNOWINGLY too.QUIETLY means we don't have to tell the world we're doing good deeds. We do encourage everyone to do good and nice deeds but we don't boast things openly. This is called quiet charity. It encourages humble humanity.
CONSISTENTLY is important to make it a habit, so that the merit keeps accumulated.
UNKNOWINGLY is about subconscious level. The more frequent we do certain things, the more unknowingly it becomes. And when that free thought takes place, it's more in tune with the frequency of the resonance of nature; at the same time all the natural abundance will come to us...
In the world of material possessions, one takes nothing with them when one leaves the world. All the monetary and material wealth mean nothing to dead people. Only kind gestures and good deeds for people and living beings will stay in everyone's memories.So my brothers and sisters, let's all work harder on ways we give and change how we receive from the universe.
As some put it, big money makes the news, but it's the giving, both material and emotional supports, of all ordinary individuals that make the world a better place.PS:
1. For ideas and concepts on how charity and good deeds can change one's destiny and fate, please take a look at the label "charity" on the right.
