- ISBN13: 9780805076929
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
“Masterly on the way philanthropy works.”
-The New York Observer
For more than a century, the United States has stood as a beacon of prosperity and democracy, proof that big business and big dreams could flourish side by side. Yet few Americans realize the crucial role that generosity plays in keeping that fragile balance.
A leading voice for community development, scholar and former Connecticut College president Claire Gaudi… More >>
The Greater Good: How Philanthropy Drives the American Economy and Can Save Capitalism
While I have not yet read this book and am opposed to purchasing it, as a history teacher I must object to at least one egregious error in the Booklist review: the GI bill as an example of American philanthropy? Excuse me? It was a federal law using federal monies for the greater good of the nation. Everyone paid for it.
As a former fundraiser, I know (as does Ms. Gaudiani) that motivations for philanthropy are rarely entirely altruistic: ego and self interest are huge motivators, as is the current tax system which provokes wealthy individuals to make donations to institutions of their choosing. Politicians going back to Alexander Hamilton have understood this. I applaud the largesse of the American people, but an argument that, among other flaws, compares our rate of giving with Breat Britain’s, a country whose inhabitants pay higher taxes for the greater good of all citizens, seems specious.
I advise those considering purchasing this book to get their American history from more reliable sources.
Rating: 1 / 5
The Philanthropic Revolution started thousands of years ago in the fields of Eygpt when people then new that we need to “care” for each other. Give water to the thirsty passer by.
Claire, with a lot of compassion and breadth, reminds us the the “greater good” needs to be reenvigorated, as did Jane Addams’ project to care for the larger community.
Chapter 6 go directly to the undrlyting feeling of the American Spirit.
The past 100 years shows us how to really appreciate and gain from that original intent. This book put’s it into perspective and rekindles the spirit of giving.
Happy New Year.
Rating: 5 / 5
I felt compelled to write this review because of the poor content by some of the other contributors — one who didnt event read the book and the other ranting a personal attack with no focus on the book itself.
As a teacher, Colleen Kyle should know better than anyone else to actually read books before judging them. She might find herself actually learning something from the research of others. This is not a history book, and it doesnt claim to be one. Its encouraging people to re-think philanthropy and the long term impact generosity can have by showing how we have all benefitted from private giving already.
Mr. Chuck Jones needs to spend more time actually giving something back to society and little less time complaining about those who choose to take the personal and professional risks required to be a leader.
I would encourage people to read Gaudiani’s book, to learn about how generosity affects society, and then think about what they can do in their local community to improve the lives of the less fortunate.
Rating: 5 / 5
“Most people think that Americans are generous because we are rich. The truth is that we are rich…because we are generous…” So writes Claire Gaudiani. Why should Christians read this book? We don’t want to save “Capitalism,” do we? Perhaps not, but we know we’d miss it, if it was destroyed. Yes, the Christian community ought to find time to read this wonderful book on the history of American Philanthropy and how it has, in the past, played a vital role in helping to maintain the uniqueness of the American experiment. More importantly, Gaudiani explains the perils of our current “giving habits,” the cultural reasons for the trend, and solutions to restore the spirit of philanthropy. She writes, “As more of us are better able every year to satisfy our wants and needs, we are not sharing a larger percentage of our income and wealth. We are retaining it in savings or spending it on ourselves and our families. Yet some segments of the population…are experiencing reductions in their well-being, notably children.” Christians for the most part should appreciate America’s history of philanthropy, for much of it stems from either the Judeo-Christian worldview or simply from a genuine Christian faith that seeks to “give away what God has given to make other people’s lives better.” The Christian community should also find a welcome friend in her words: “Philanthropy has, in the past, been quicker than government to imagine, test, and implement innovative methods for solving social problems.” Of all people and social groups, the Christian community should read this book, if for anything to learn to appreciate the history of Philanthropy. Giving and developing strategies for philanthropic adventures are more than mere altruism. After reading Gaudiani’s book, I find that philanthropy of any kind (American or Christian charity) is the human experience where self-interest and compassion are not in conflict. It is in the best interest of Americans (dare I say Christians) to ensure that everyone has access to the American Dream–the dream of upward mobility. In the humble opinion of this reviewer, more Christian communities and churches should design their own philanthropic adventures and meet the social needs that are knocking on their church doors.
Rating: 5 / 5
Any leader, executive, or member of our world society can learn and immediately benefit from this book. Dr. Gaudiani is one of the most exceptional and worthy leaders of our time. Her words of wisdom in this book exemplify the essence of her daily leadership practices. Just as the best leaders of our time have displayed, she is optimistic about human behavior and motivation. Critics’ opinions expressed only underscore her importance and our need for her as a leader. Ironically, these opinions bring to light the necessity for a civil society and the “Greater Good.” Where there is resistance, there is dissatisfaction with the current state in a social system, and Gaudiani is the ideal leader to provide the vision and first steps to bring us to a more democratic, unified, and satisfied state. Read this book with an understanding that you are learning from an exceptional, understanding, compassionate, highly emotionally intelligent, extremely knowledgable, cultured, worldly leader.
Rating: 5 / 5