I am struck by this comment in the reading: "We’re lucky to be in a position where we can have such a large impact, and this opportunity for impact is the consequence of a profoundly unequal world." That people in this position [first world, comfortable, privileged, etc.] would have such a wide range of responses to the same perceived problems is strange to think about. How have some been nurtured to care, and others nurtured to not care at all! There are millionaires with decidedly open minds and hearts, and billionaires who wish only to increase their wealth. That is hard to take. Regarding those commenters below who debate the existence of something called "altruism," I believe it exists in many cultural and religious communities, but in order to be influenced by it, one needs to buy into those communities' viewpoints. Maybe that's the difficult part for some, that some have not found those cultural or religiously based communities to have worth in today's world. Hence the need for such as program as this, I suppose. My background in Jewish texts and rabbinic teachings reminds me that "justice", or doing what is right (tzedek in Hebrew), is performed without regard to how one feels at any given moment. Actions are done because they are right and proper, even if I should not care about the recipient of my 'charity' (however that's defined). Emotions have little or nothing to do with actions done to improve society.
I am struck by this comment in the reading: "We’re lucky to be in a position where we can have such a large impact, and this opportunity for impact is the consequence of a profoundly unequal world." That people in this position [first world, comfortable, privileged, etc.] would have such a wide range of responses to the same perceived problems is strange to think about. How have some been nurtured to care, and others nurtured to not care at all! There are millionaires with decidedly open minds and hearts, and billionaires who wish only to increase their wealth. That is hard to take. Regarding those commenters below who debate the existence of something called "altruism," I believe it exists in many cultural and religious communities, but in order to be influenced by it, one needs to buy into those communities' viewpoints. Maybe that's the difficult part for some, that some have not found those cultural or religiously based communities to have worth in today's world. Hence the need for such as program as this, I suppose. My background in Jewish texts and rabbinic teachings reminds me that "justice", or doing what is right (tzedek in Hebrew), is performed without regard to how one feels at any given moment. Actions are done because they are right and proper, even if I should not care about the recipient of my 'charity' (however that's defined). Emotions have little or nothing to do with actions done to improve society.