We Make a Life by What We Give

Richard B. Gunderman (Author)

9780253200297

Paperback / softback, published 7 September 2009

216 pages
21 x 14 x 1.5 cm, 0.277 kg

"Some books enlighten us, some books inspire us, and some books challenge us to expand our understanding of who we are and who we can become. [This book] does all three. . . . It simply surpasses all other books in the field, but more importantly, it expands our understanding of the field of philanthropy and of ourselves and our potential."—Heather Wood Ion, Contributing Editor
". . . provides a rich understanding of humanity and how we must live in community.2010"—Kirby Hughes Gould, Christian Church Foundation
"Short, sweet, and a pleasure to read, [this book] reminds us that we are capable of contributing much more when we see ourselves in the company of those who depend on us to make the most of what we have been given."—Philanthropy News Digest
"Gunderman is as important a humanistic voice in the discussion of philanthropy as I know of. He writes like an angel; he works out of a rich Aristotelian tradition; his views are balanced, clear, and persuasive."—David H. Smith, author of Entrusted

According to an old saying, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." In 22 brief and insightful essays, Richard B. Gunderman shows us that the key to more rewarding giving can be found by looking beyond mere donations of money. Exploring the ethical core of sharing and examining its importance for both those who receive and those who give, here is a book to deepen our understanding of what it means to share.

Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Imagining Philanthropy
2. The Golden Rule
3. Four Gifts
4. The Potential to Share
5. The Good Samaritan
6. Egoism, Altruism, and Service
7. Doing Well by Doing Good
8. Idealists and Realists
9. What Are We Part of?
10. The Seven Deadly Sins
11. Materialist Philanthropy
12. Whoever Has Will Receive More
13. Hoarding and Sharing
14. Lessons from the Least
15. Lower and Higher
16. Who Is Expendable?
17. How Much and How Well?
18. Are We Hospitable?
19. Rules and Aspirations
20. Suffering
21. Treasure in Earthen Vessels
22. Ethics and Metaphysics
Suggested Readings
Index