Giving
An unfortunate side effect of living by television or Internet is the framing of all human activity in terms of celebrity and trend. That which is humble is seen as weak and failing. That which is glitzy is seen as moral and good. This is a very corrosive process for public morale and general human consciousness.
The much debated faith-based initiatives had something intrinsically positive about them. They were based in communities of average people with average, or even humble, means, who could take part and take consolation about their own positive humanity from the concrete effects of their deeds for a greater good in their own communities. No Anderson Cooper descending in a helicopter to bestow his cable-TV blessing; just the appreciative nods and handshakes of grateful neighbors.
Humanism on the ground is not glamorous. It entails picking up after yourself, paying your bills and trying to do whatever you can to give to others. Humanist awards ceremonies are for celebrities and the literary champions of a philosophical movement. Humanist rewards are personal peace, health and sense of social equanimity in any group or community.
I see giving as a personal process, more than a specific concrete act. My own humanist practice brought me out of a very angry and isolated place in my youth. By learning to give of myself and my labor every day in every situation, I began to heal deep wounds within me. That practice continues and the healing with it.
Giving money has become the token form of giving among the materialists who would step over a homeless person without thought to get into a trendy pub or restaurant. There is an immense industry of non-profits, which dispense on line indulgences and absolution to these flashy sponsors. But, look at the society this is part of. Is this a society, where those who are poor are afforded quality public education? Is this a society where modern medical advances are gladly shared with all of its members? Is this a society which is cherishing its natural environment for the sake of all its children?
Giving starts in personal practice, personal moment-by-moment behavior. It is polished and refined in personal behavior toward yourself, your closest life-companions and your community. Giving is not a check, a tax deduction or a quarter thrown glibly into a beggar's cup on the sidewalk. Giving is a constant habit, a reflex, a way of life.
The much debated faith-based initiatives had something intrinsically positive about them. They were based in communities of average people with average, or even humble, means, who could take part and take consolation about their own positive humanity from the concrete effects of their deeds for a greater good in their own communities. No Anderson Cooper descending in a helicopter to bestow his cable-TV blessing; just the appreciative nods and handshakes of grateful neighbors.
Humanism on the ground is not glamorous. It entails picking up after yourself, paying your bills and trying to do whatever you can to give to others. Humanist awards ceremonies are for celebrities and the literary champions of a philosophical movement. Humanist rewards are personal peace, health and sense of social equanimity in any group or community.I see giving as a personal process, more than a specific concrete act. My own humanist practice brought me out of a very angry and isolated place in my youth. By learning to give of myself and my labor every day in every situation, I began to heal deep wounds within me. That practice continues and the healing with it.
Giving money has become the token form of giving among the materialists who would step over a homeless person without thought to get into a trendy pub or restaurant. There is an immense industry of non-profits, which dispense on line indulgences and absolution to these flashy sponsors. But, look at the society this is part of. Is this a society, where those who are poor are afforded quality public education? Is this a society where modern medical advances are gladly shared with all of its members? Is this a society which is cherishing its natural environment for the sake of all its children?
Giving starts in personal practice, personal moment-by-moment behavior. It is polished and refined in personal behavior toward yourself, your closest life-companions and your community. Giving is not a check, a tax deduction or a quarter thrown glibly into a beggar's cup on the sidewalk. Giving is a constant habit, a reflex, a way of life.
Comments
Post a Comment