Philanthropy versus Misanthropy

by Craig Arban

In the wake of the horror of September 11th ("911", as someone grimly noted), I am struck by the chasm of difference between two fundamental attitudes towards others, particularly those unrelated by bonds of family or friendship, culture or belief. One is summarized by a word that we are all familiar with, but the meaning and importance of which we seldom discuss--philanthropy.

The linguistic roots of philanthropy combine the Greek terms "phil", meaning love, and "anthropos", meaning humankind. So philanthropy essentially means "love of humankind." Its opposite is a word we rarely use, but whose meaning is now all too clear to us: misanthropy. "Mis" is the Greek root for hate, so misanthropy literally means "hatred of humanity."

Hatred of humanity is a bone-chilling phrase. Yet it fully describes what must have animated those who drove a fiery stake into the hearts of Americans--indeed of peoples everywhere--hoping to shatter and break them as the buildings they destroyed. One still finds it hard to comprehend that our hearts were their ultimate targets; our love, hope, and faith their intended victims.

We often trivialize the words "love" and "hate". They are used offhandedly, commercially, even indifferently at times. Yet in the shambled ruins of Manhattan and Arlington, one perceives each of these words anew.

As The New York Times wrote the day following the tragedy:

Commentators throughout the day yesterday dwelled on the scale of the planning this terrorist mission must have required. But it is just as important to consider the intensity of the hatred it took to bring it off.

It is a hatred that exceeds the conventions of warfare, that knows no limits, abides by no agreements. We had presumed that the very excess of such emotions made them erratic, that instability and inefficiency were securely coupled. But that was when we lived on the other side of history's rift (The New York Times, September 12, 2001).

The editorialist's words ring true. The sheer multiplicity of the horrors, the murderous intentionality of the evils, evade comprehension. The numbing brutality of each violent act, the unspeakable suffering inflicted on the innocents and their families, collapse our understanding of what it means to be human. History indeed does seem divided--from the years, days and hours preceding the September 11th apocalypse--and now. As someone once wrote, "The horrible has already happened."

Yet it is equally true that through the smoldering darkness, a flame burned with an intensity we seldom realize is present until ignited. With similar--no, greater--fervor, the torch of compassion blazed through the tear-strewn nights and days, freely offering rescue, aid, comfort, and hopeto those stricken by such diabolical hands and intentions.

Unlike the fires that raged that mournful Tuesday, the essence of this flame is love. It knows no racial, national, or ethnic origins or boundaries, and no particular religious identity. It is embraced by the teachings of Jesus and Buddha, of Moses and Mohammed, of Gandhi and King. It is the foundation of all scriptures and ethics.

When we think of philanthropy, we often perceive it in material or monetary terms. We usually reserve the word "philanthropist" for those who make substantial financial contributions to causes and projects benefiting others. We call Carnegie, Rockefeller, and Gates great philanthropists.

And rightly so.

Yet I hope in the days, months, and years following September 11th, we begin to see philanthropy in a new and more profound light. Simply put, philanthropy is the love of humankind. It is seen in the outpouring of compassion and support given by countless individuals and organizations to assist those devastated by this monumental catastrophe. It is evidenced by the uniting of peoples of all faiths--Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and others, including those of no particular religious faith--to assist the victims, their families and friends, and to build bridges of peace and understanding that can heal and unite us all.

Perhaps philanthropy is best exemplified by the heroic contributions of those who might have little material wealth to share--the firefighters, police officers, and innumerable volunteers--who have given something far more precious--their bodies, their labor, and even their lives to help and rescue others. Each has contributed a supreme gift of incalculable love. Each one may truly be called a great philanthropist.

In these days of mourning and remembrance, may we all pray that the spirit of love would arise out of the ashes of destruction, that faithfulness and compassion would reverse the sinister acts of infidelity and hate. Philanthropy, the love of humankind, is the light that eclipses this time of darkness. It embodies our finest treasure, our fervent hopes and dreams, our essence, our love.

Craig Arban is an attorney and consultant specializing in charitable giving. This essay is reprinted with his permission.

Craig Arban
1511 New York Drive
Altadena, CA 91001
Phone: 626/296-1610
Fax: 626/296-8445
Email: carban@ix.netcom.com

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