Ambrose Bierce: Philanthropist Grin

Ambrose Bierce Money Quote saying that bald old rich guys who smile oddly while charities are as good as pickpockets. Ambrose Bierce said:
 

“Philanthropist. A rich (and usually bald) old gentleman who has trained himself to grin while his conscience is picking his pocket…” — Ambrose Bierce

In this quote, Ambrose Bierce is taking a cynical view of philanthropists. By describing a philanthropist as a “rich old gentleman” who has trained himself to “grin” or smile while his “conscience is picking his pocket”, Bierce suggests that some philanthropic acts are not truly altruistic or done out of genuine care for others in need.

He implies that for some philanthropists, donating to charitable causes is a way to ease their conscience about accumulating wealth, while also providing further tax breaks or positive publicity. So in essence, Bierce is accusing certain philanthropists of using donations as a way to feel better about themselves and their wealth, rather than coming from pure, selfless motivations to help the less fortunate.

The quote portrays philanthropy in a critical light as potentially serving the interests of donors’ egos and finances rather than strictly benefiting recipients.

Birthday: June 24, 1842 – Disappeared: c. 1914

Geoff Mulgan: Unequal Philanthropy

Geoff Mulgan Money Quote saying some extra wealthy folks have decided that they would rather not die before giving away their fortune. Geoff Mulgan said:
 

 

“It’s an irony that growing inequality could mean more money for philanthropy. In the US, quite a few of the ultra-rich have taken to heart the 19th century industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie’s comment that it’s a disgrace to die wealthy” — Geoff Mulgan

In this quote, social innovator Geoff Mulgan is acknowledging an ironic consequence of rising inequality. While growing wealth gaps are problematic, he suggests they may paradoxically lead to more philanthropic giving if the very wealthy take to heart Andrew Carnegie’s view that accumulating vast fortunes one does not distribute in life brings dishonor.

Mulgan implies rising inequality could generate increased charitable donations from billionaires seeking to justify their fortunes or leave positive legacies. Overall, the quote conveys that while inequality itself is troubling, it may perversely motivate more funding for social causes from those at the top who internalize a duty to spread opportunity through donations akin to Carnegie’s model of using wealth for public good.

Ronald Reagan: Fat-Cat Contributor

Ronald Reagan Money Quote saying that rich Republicans are disrespected and Democrats are beloved and he doesn’t get it. Ronald Reagan said:
 

 

“I’ve never been able to understand why a Republican contributor is a ‘fat cat’ and a Democratic contributor of the same amount of money is a ‘public-spirited philanthropist'” — Ronald Reagan

In this quote, Ronald Reagan is critiquing what he sees as a double standard in how political donors are portrayed based on their partisan affiliations.

His interpretation is that large financial contributors to Republican/conservative causes tend to be disparaged as “fat cats”, implying greed and excess, while equivalent donations to Democratic/liberal campaigns are praised in a far more positive light as “public-spirited philanthropists”.

Reagan appears to be suggesting that the same act of major political giving receives very different characterizations and judgments depending on whether it supports left-leaning or right-leaning parties.

The overall message seems to be one of perceiving biased treatment and a lack of consistency in how mega-donors are publicly framed along partisan lines.

Birthday: February 6, 1911 – Death: June 5, 2004

Ralph Waldo Emerson: Foolish Philanthropist

Ralph Waldo Emerson Money Quote saying some begrudge the call to help the poor when they don’t know them or their community and so give reluctantly. Ralph Waldo Emerson said:
 

 

“Do not tell me of my obligation to put all poor men in good situations. Are they my poor? I tell thee, thou foolish philanthropist, that I grudge the dollar, the dime, the cent, I give to such men as do not belong to me and to whom I do not belong” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

In this quote, Ralph Waldo Emerson seems to be criticizing a notion of unconditional charity towards all people in need. By stating he “grudges” money given to “poor men” who are not his own and to whom he does not belong, Emerson appears to be arguing against an open-ended obligation to assist any and all individuals simply due to their impoverished state.

The quote conveys Emerson’s view that philanthropic responsibility is bounded within closer community ties and relationships, rather than extending to all humanity in an abstract sense. Overall, Emerson seems to be advocating for a more selective, discriminating approach to charity based on personal connections and associations, rather than an unqualified duty to aid all poor people everywhere without distinction.

Birthday: May 25, 1803 – Death: April 27, 1882