Trusteeship | wealthymatters

The Gospel Of Wealth

July 8, 2014 Leave a comment

I quote from the Gospel of Wealth published twenty-five years ago. This then is held to be the duty of the man of wealth. First: to set an example of modest, unostentatious living, shunning display; to provide moderately for the legitimate wants of those dependent upon him, and after doing so, to consider all surplus revenues which come to him simply as trust funds, which he is strictly bound as a matter of duty, to administer in the manner which in his judgment is best calculated to produce the most beneficial results for the community.

The man of wealth must become a trustee and agent for his poorer brethren, bringing to their service his superior wisdom, experience, and ability to administer. Those who would administer wisely must indeed be wise. For one of the serious obstacles to the improvement of our race is indiscriminate charity. It were better for mankind that the millions of the rich were thrown into the sea than so spent as to encourage the slothful, the drunken, the unworthy.

In bestowing charity, the main consideration should be to help those who help themselves. It provides part of the m Read more of this post

Filed under Philanthropy Tagged with Andrew Carnegie, Charity, Gospel of Wealth, postaday, Trusteeship

Gandhiji on Trusteeship

February 26, 2011 9 Comments

Following are some of Gandhiji’s favourite quotes from the Gita:

Na twaham kamep rajyam na swarnam na puparbhavam
Kamaye dukh taptanam praninamarti nashwam

Neither I desire a Kingdom nor do I crave for heaven or salvation, I simply desire the end of miseries of all creatures who are afflicted with grief.

Javata Priyate Dehuh Tavatsatva Hidehinam
Adhikam yo bhibhanayat sa stano Dand marhati

As much as is necessary for one’s own living only that much is one entitled to have. One who has excess of this is a thief and deserves punishment.

Ishtan bhogan hi wo deva dasyante yagna bhavitah
Tairdattan pradaryabhyo yo bhangyakte sten aiv sah

Fostered by sacrifice (hard work) you will get all enjoyments. He who enjoys it without sacrifice and giving in return is undoubtedly a thief.

These words from the Gita shaped Gandhiji’s thoughts on his concept of trusteeship of wealth.Following is an explanation of the concept in his own words:

‘Suppose I have earned a fair amount of wealth either by way of legacy or by means of trade and industry. I must know that all that belongs to me is the right to an honorable livelihood no better than what is enjoyed by million of others, the rest of my wealth belongs to the community and is to be used for the welfare of the community.’ Read more of this post