The Pledge: A Response

Someone commented on one of my previous posts, which I had titled "The Pledge," saying:

"So aren't these philanthropists incidentally preaching the benefits of a life of single-minded wealth accumulation?"

I think this is a very good comment, and I apologize if I wasn't clearer in the first place. So, as I was typing my response to the comment, I realized that it would probably be best to set this one off as a separate discussion. 

My answer to your question: not really. 

I think the article's purpose wasn't to applaud what these people have done to accumulate the great amounts that they have. It's main intent was to focus on how these people have used their wealth to benefit the world. This is not to say that the single-minded accumulation of wealth is a good thing, but rather the opposite, that these people are being distinguished above other multi-millionaires simply because they are using their wealth for something other than personal benefit. While some of them might have accumulated the wealth they now have in a single-minded manner, purely for personal benefit (which, incidentally, the Bible wholeheartedly denounces - see Luke 16:19-31 or Luke 12:16-21 for examples, although there are many others), what is important is that they are sharing now.

Additionally, the article isn't saying that we should all go out and just spend our lives earning money so we can give it to the poor. In fact, my previous post talks about others ways that people can work to give to those in need. I just wanted to highlight a particular method of giving to others, and I think that the article isn't saying that the only way to accomplish this is through money. It's just commenting on how, in this particular instance, these people are giving money to the poor. I think that using one's means to help the world is a laudable thing, and if one's means includes money, then all the better. But, I would emphasize again, that is by no means the only way to help others, and not only would the single-minded accumulation of wealth be treacherous in itself (for even though one's intentions may be initially good, it is a narrow path and is easy to fall off of without even realizing it), but it is not necessarily the best way in which to help others. A good example of this is cited in the article, how some millionaires' donations (perhaps intentionally) have been used by nonprofit organizations to influence elections. So, just giving money might not even ensure that one is helping others. Personally, I think that giving one's time and skills, maybe in addition to money (since we can't seem to get away from needing it in some fashion), is the best way to give to those in need.

I hope this clears things up, and hopefully also answers your question. :)