You still see them -- panhandlers at places like Walmart parking lots. Oddly enough, the numbers haven't changed as much as I expected. How are they getting by? They usually have masks on, presumably so they don't scare people off.
Are people more likely to donate to them at times like this? It is easy to come up with arguments pro and con on this question.
I have thought about making a donation, but rather than help strangers, it seemed like a better idea to donate to a friend or relative who has been hit hard by the times we live in. Does that make sense?
In thinking about these things, it suddenly occurred to me that Giving and Receiving are important issues in the human condition, and yet, I haven't really thought enough about them. If nothing else, it motivated me to read a classic book that didn't interest me before, "On Benefits," by Lucius Annaeus Seneca.
There are times when reading this book that you will imagine you are reading the New Testament. Perhaps the ideas expressed by Seneca and the early Christians sound so much alike because they were part of the zeitgeist of the Roman Empire, circa 50 A.D.
Most people have experienced (first or second-hand) the act of Giving offer proof of the old proverb, 'No good deed goes unpunished.' Seneca doesn't use this English proverb, but he certainly discussed the issue of ingratitude of the Receiver.
It is difficult to do a good job at either Giving or Receiving -- remarkably difficult. As for Giving, he warns against Giving in a desultory manner, with reluctance, and with "free advice" to the Receiver. He advises against thinking of it as an investment or loan that are supposed to automatically be repaid with interest.
As for Receiving, I think that too big a deal is made of ingratitude. When someone in need receives help, they probably feel relief most intensely, and then some mild gratitude. But the gratitude melts away pretty quickly. But resenting being in an inferior position probably lasts forever.
Seneca recommends giving freely, quickly, and happily with no strings attached, and no serious expectation of repayment.
Difficulties with Giving and Difficulties with Receiving can be solved at the same time if the Giver thinks back over the last few years and asks whether they themselves have received from today's Receiver. If so, they can half-disguise their current Giving as a payback from the past.
Seneca, with the stern and uncompromising virtues of the Stoic, would probably not approve of this approach. But good ol' Ben (Franklin) would approve of slyness that serves a good purpose.
Are people more likely to donate to them at times like this? It is easy to come up with arguments pro and con on this question.
 |
| from Money.com |
In thinking about these things, it suddenly occurred to me that Giving and Receiving are important issues in the human condition, and yet, I haven't really thought enough about them. If nothing else, it motivated me to read a classic book that didn't interest me before, "On Benefits," by Lucius Annaeus Seneca.
There are times when reading this book that you will imagine you are reading the New Testament. Perhaps the ideas expressed by Seneca and the early Christians sound so much alike because they were part of the zeitgeist of the Roman Empire, circa 50 A.D.
Most people have experienced (first or second-hand) the act of Giving offer proof of the old proverb, 'No good deed goes unpunished.' Seneca doesn't use this English proverb, but he certainly discussed the issue of ingratitude of the Receiver.
It is difficult to do a good job at either Giving or Receiving -- remarkably difficult. As for Giving, he warns against Giving in a desultory manner, with reluctance, and with "free advice" to the Receiver. He advises against thinking of it as an investment or loan that are supposed to automatically be repaid with interest.
As for Receiving, I think that too big a deal is made of ingratitude. When someone in need receives help, they probably feel relief most intensely, and then some mild gratitude. But the gratitude melts away pretty quickly. But resenting being in an inferior position probably lasts forever.
Seneca recommends giving freely, quickly, and happily with no strings attached, and no serious expectation of repayment.
Difficulties with Giving and Difficulties with Receiving can be solved at the same time if the Giver thinks back over the last few years and asks whether they themselves have received from today's Receiver. If so, they can half-disguise their current Giving as a payback from the past.
Seneca, with the stern and uncompromising virtues of the Stoic, would probably not approve of this approach. But good ol' Ben (Franklin) would approve of slyness that serves a good purpose.
Comments