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The issue of money and poverty

Many believe that money is the key to happiness, however someone's time or care can make someone just as happy. Throughout society the issue of poverty remains existent. Yet, the real question that stands is what can an individual do to help fight this issue?

The two key acts of kindness would be giving time and care. The act of giving one’s time can mean the world. Not only does it make the less fortunate feel loved but it also provides help for those in need. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett began a campaign for what they called “ the billionaire project”. The project would consist of having billionaires contribute half of their wealth in order to help those in need.

However Mr. Buffett states, “ But money for charity isn't the main point.”

In fact, Mr. Buffett explains that by introducing this project many families will become inspired to help the less fortunate through other actions other than donating. This in turn would create an even bigger effect than donations would. For this reason the stress of giving time and care could mean life or death for many in need.

If an individual finds the time every day to genuinely care for the people living around them the world could become a different place. For this reason, Bertrand Russell wrote “The Conquest of Happiness” in 1930 reflecting on the meaning of happiness.

Russell states, “The happy man is the man Who does not suffer from either of these failures of unity, whose personality is neither divided against itself nor pitted against the world.”

Russell proclaims that by an individual helping and caring about the happiness of all mankind, then this is when true happiness for all will arise. Some may make the argument that money can solve all problems of poverty and happiness by strictly making donations . However, by taking the time in your day and caring for one another not only will happiness be found, but in fact, poverty in society can be diminished without having to make money a factor.

Poverty in today’s society presents itself as a thriving issue. Many individuals are more than willing to help those in need however, are all those in need willing to help themselves? This is a key factor in an individual's role in society. If those in need are not willing to better themselves then individuals should not go out of their way to create a better life for the less fortunate. Andrew Carnegie a wealthy American industrialist in 1889, supports this idea in his famous essay “ The Gospel of Wealth”.

Carnegie states, “In bestowing charity, the main consideration should be to help those who will help themselves”.

For an individual it is important to understand that if those bestowed in poverty are not willing to desire improvement then it can be a waste of time, care and money. Just think, when the less fortunate are not willing to work hard to get out of poverty, then why should an individual carry the weight on their own shoulders? For instance, think of a homeless man on the streets. Some if not most will use your donations as a way to numb the pain. By doing so, your money is not going to good use such as food or cleaning up for a job interview, in turn, it is being used for drugs or alcohol. On the other hand however, think of a single mother. She is desperately searching for a job and just needs help feeding her kids until she can get back on her feet. By an individual helping the single mother feed her kids the acts of kindness is being put forth to someone that is working hard to turn their life around. Andrew Carnegie would agree with this situation.

Carnegie states, “He is only a true reformer who is as careful and as anxious not to aid the unworthy”. Carnegie, would in fact find the mother as a worthy recipient of the charitable acts because she is desiring to improve.

All in all, any random acts of kindness or charity will allow the issue of poverty to diminish. However, I urge you to consider who you are helping and what is going to help them most.


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