Saturday, December 5, 2009

Why do people act in charitable ways?

Do people expect something in return when they hear the word "charity"? Do they go to say the ball for that good night out for dinner and programs, buying art , or t-shirts, etc. Or do they go to an art show for special needs, like I attended only a few weeks ago, because they love seeing the smile on children's faces regardless that they also served good food, sparkling cider and sold some very cool t-shirts in the main entrance?
I think people act in charitable ways for the following reasons;
One: They want to believe that there is still good in the world, especially in the hearts of the one's they love. For those of you who watched Private Practice last night, a question came to my mind. Prior to the explosion wasn't it out of "charity" that Dell got back together with his wife, even though she had a drug addiction? He, out of charity, I believe married his wife again. I do think he loved her, but not for the right reasons.
Two: Selfless versus Selfish- Charity makes people feel good whether they meant it for selfless acts or ulterior motives. Others can not tell why one may be writing that check, it just appears to be going to a good cause. Therefore, it is a win-win situation.
I think there are other reasons too but that these are two of the main general reasons. What do you think?
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3 comments:

  1. Jackie CrankshawDecember 9, 2009 at 12:09 PM

    I do believe most people give charity out of feeling good. Yes,there are some that expect something from giving charity such as free gifts or food, but I believe for the most part people give charity out of good. When I give charity or help out an organization, I do it because it makes me feel good about myself. Helping others probably makes others feel good as well. I think your two reasons are the two main reasons for charity and you introduced them very well. Hopefully more people will be able to find good in themselves and good in the world!

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  2. BridgetDecember 13, 2009 at 12:55 PM

    I agree that it's out of feeling good, like seeing the kid's smiles. I think your second point is really interesting, that how no matter what the motives charity makes a person feel good. I've never looked at it like that before, but that makes a lot of sense.

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  3. MikeDecember 14, 2009 at 9:28 AM

    I also think that charity comes from the heart and a deep, sincere longing to help someone in need. I think that donations to charities are also a great way for everyone to contribute in an amount that is appropriate for their financial circumstances. Some people devote their lives to giving and they seem the happiest to me...

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