Philanthropy is doing some good to the society or world out of your love for humanity. It refers to contributing to the welfare of the less privileged in financial or non-financial terms. Philanthropy is a giving practice that an individual as well as an organization or business can initiate. However, at an individual level, it is a significant aspect of life that is fulfilling for those who are resourceful and fortunate enough to extend help to others. Source of ultimate happiness: Philanthropy or giving through some kind of charity is made a practice by many individuals, as it offers them immense happiness to help those who cannot help themselves. Whether you feed hungry children or educate adults, the philanthropic acts activate your brain’s reward center. Research has proved that the acts of giving trigger the happiness hormone called dopamine in the brain. This neurotransmitter can actually make you feel good when you help others. No doubt, the number of charities across the country has been increasing constantly. Fulfillment of responsibility: It is every individual’s responsibility to give back to the society and support its growth and development. By doing philanthropic deeds, you receive the satisfaction of fulfilling your responsibility towards the society.

We see several big names, be it filmmakers or politicians, in today’s world involved with philanthropic activities. Though there are several varied definitions of philanthropy, it can be understood as humanity working towards the betterment of humankind.The notion of philanthropy is not something new. Here is how the modern form of philanthropy reached its present version. Classic philanthropy Definition Containing a blend of both ethics and metaphysics, the ancient Greek defined philanthropy as love of what it is to be human. It suggested that philanthropy was the essential nature as well as the purpose of civilization, culture, and humanity. Notion of Freedom Laws of Athens, as well as Socrates, were described as democratic and philanthropic. Prometheus’ gifts to humanity were regarded as an example of philanthropy against the despotism of Zeus, making it associated with the ideas of democracy and freedom. Effect of time With the substitution of classical civilization by Christianity, philanthropy was replaced with Christian Theology and Soteriology. Roman Catholic Church monitored both at the time. The meaning and importance of philanthropy further changed with the move made by feudalism to organize law and order. During the Italian Renaissance period, humanism was taught in accord to a particular academic curriculum.