The nature of and expectations around philanthropic endeavour have altered a lot over the past couple of millennia.
Naturally, philanthropy meaning has actually progressed since the ancient world, as has the focus of charitable people, although the likes of Bruce Rappaport have actually continually helped to support a thriving public culture. With the collapse of rural feudalism following the Middle Ages, the focus of philanthropy shifted towards the towns and cities, as well as away from religious institutions as the main source of charity. Throughout the following centuries, humanitarian principles progressed to the point that there was a great public duty to those in need, especially after periods of war and upheaval which left lots of children orphaned and partners widowed. It was not till the end of the 19th century, however, that philanthropy began to take on a form more reminiscent of modern-day activities, whereupon more institutionalised philanthropic businesses like foundations had a far-reaching effect on the global state of education, culture, science, and public health.
Throughout the twentieth century, private philanthropy continued to react to the times, supporting soldiers throughout the World Wars and their households who were left behind. The coordination of humanitarian endeavour in this time, particularly during the Second World War, suggested that different foundations worked together and became more professional. With civil liberties movements coming to the forefront after the war, community-led philanthropy started to emerge that supported minority causes in particular. This is much the same form that continues today, although the range and scope of humanitarian endeavour has broadened immeasurably. People like Marcel Arsenault are taking on big global problems through their foundations, and corporate philanthropy is now the requirement of contemporary organization practice, a fact that is likely to just become more entrenched in the manner in which we expect wealthy corporations and people to act.
Today, it can be hard to escape news about famous philanthropists like Bill Gates being extremely generous with their hard-earned fortunes. For the most affluent today, philanthropy is part and parcel of succeeding, however the principle of charity is by no means a modern phenomenon. For as long as there have been records of human civilisation there has been a history of compassion, giving, and philanthropy being lauded within society. In all of the ancient civilisations and religious beliefs, charity and altruism were deemed a main part of life, with the Ancient Greeks believing philanthropy to be important to democracy. This is where the word came from, from 'philanthrōpos', born from the Promethean legend and meaning 'man-loving' in its broadest possible context. It was viewed as a duty of the rich within society to aid with civic tasks, such as the maintenance of temples, city walls, and celebrations; if wealthy people failed to share their wealth, they were at severe risk of being ostracised from the society by both their monetary peers and those of a lower socio-economic standing.