According to etymology, The word philanthropy comes from “Ancient Greek φιλανθρωπία (philanthrōpía) ‘love of humanity’, from phil– ‘love, fond of’ and anthrōpos ‘humankind, mankind'”.

And in the Wikipedia entry for Philanthropy, we read:

“In the second century AD, Plutarch used the Greek concept of philanthrôpía to describe superior human beings. During the Middle Ages, philanthrôpía was superseded in Europe by the Christian virtue of charity (Latin: caritas); selfless love, valued for salvation and escape from purgatory. Thomas Aquinas held that ‘the habit of charity extends not only to the love of God, but also to the love of our neighbor’.” (Wikipedia-Philanthropy)

 

Based on its origins and historical meaning, I define as philanthropy as acts of service that show love for humankind. 

Click on the links to read about some of the philanthropic projects we’re engaged in.  And if you’re interested in supporting them, email me on ben (at) bmbartlett.com