I rather like your three idolized categories. However, the allusion to wealth, which, I agree, the three generally acquire, flummoxes me together with the ensuing discussion. For example Ian quotes Bill Gates as someone who shares his wealth in charitable outreach. However, we often forget that he garnered his wealth though a monopoly which sucked funds from the whole world.
I know where you’re coming from. In my opinion, an opinion of one if I might add, Ian and you both hold valid viewpoints which in one sense complements more than contradicts each other.
It is true that Gates bequeathed much of his wealth to charity. And it is also true, arguably, anyone who has accumulated more than his needs has taken from society. The former looks at the end result, the latter looks at the source. But both are on the same continuum—how Gates made his money, and how he finally spends it. In an imperfect world perhaps this is the best outcome—recognising something in the mirror, he gave to charity.
The question is: Has Gates done more than most people? It is a definite NO from me. A poor person who gives the only dollar he has does more than a billionaire who donates 99% of his wealth. This to me is the great leveller with regards to valuing one’s wealth and the best measure of philanthropy.
The people who give their last dollar must certainly be God’s heroes.
All good wishes,
Eric
–
Not what but how much
Potential philanthropists
Is he one, am I?
–
Haiku: Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
Ordinary people idolize heroes, leaders and artists, to emulate them. Usually they feel that their idols are a legend of his own and they will never attain the level.
Now this is where I feel the successors of villains are far superior than the successors of heroes, leaders and artists. Otherwise why do we get more and more “X” files or issues swept under the carpet.
Hi Eric,
I agree with Ian; there’s a lot to think about after reading this haiku. I want to say first thing that it seems the villains always get the wealth, but that’s not necessarily true. And is monetary wealth the ultimate purpose in life? Then to piggyback what Ian said, there are many rich people who do wonderful, unselfish things with their money, which could declare them as heroes. But the majority…You really got us thinking with this one, and I’m super tired, so I’ll end now before I ramble on and on…
Have a good rest of your week, my friend!
People are complex creatures. Even villains love dogs – think Hitler – and so called good guys hide terrible secrets – I rather not provide examples here and succumb to tarnishing their better deeds.
The haiku with its frugal number of words can best provoke thought but seldom, if at all, provide absolute answers. And when we generalise, we dig pot holes.
Trust the week has been great.
Cheers,
Eric
–
Bad tempered maestro
Paedophile priests saving souls
Human shades of grey
–
Haiku: Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
That’s a deep thought and I’ve pondered it for a while. Yes indeed the three idolized do take a lot of attention in today’s world, most times without justification. Unfortunately many of them would be on the same level as villains. The one that made me think more was the classification wealthy. Some like Bill Gates distribute huge amounts of their wealth and on the surface should be heroes and in fairness there are many like that. But the majority got their wealth by walking over the bodies of others and are not heroes. So your statement can be debated for a long time.
Thank you for setting aside much time to ponder my words. It is very respectful to the author and says much regarding your approach to life.
Yes, there are known and genuine philanthropists—past and present, and certainly going into the future. The sad part is, what should be a norm is held up as exceptions and as you pointed out—their numbers, compared to the majority, pale into insignificance.
All good wishes,
Eric
–
Perfect man, woman
A drop of milk in black tar
Perfect tar at best
–
Haiku: Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
I always think its better not to idolize anyone and keep your critical distance. 🙂
That sounds like very good advice, Rabirius.
Cheers!
Eric
🙂
I rather like your three idolized categories. However, the allusion to wealth, which, I agree, the three generally acquire, flummoxes me together with the ensuing discussion. For example Ian quotes Bill Gates as someone who shares his wealth in charitable outreach. However, we often forget that he garnered his wealth though a monopoly which sucked funds from the whole world.
Hello Jane,
I know where you’re coming from. In my opinion, an opinion of one if I might add, Ian and you both hold valid viewpoints which in one sense complements more than contradicts each other.
It is true that Gates bequeathed much of his wealth to charity. And it is also true, arguably, anyone who has accumulated more than his needs has taken from society. The former looks at the end result, the latter looks at the source. But both are on the same continuum—how Gates made his money, and how he finally spends it. In an imperfect world perhaps this is the best outcome—recognising something in the mirror, he gave to charity.
The question is: Has Gates done more than most people? It is a definite NO from me. A poor person who gives the only dollar he has does more than a billionaire who donates 99% of his wealth. This to me is the great leveller with regards to valuing one’s wealth and the best measure of philanthropy.
The people who give their last dollar must certainly be God’s heroes.
All good wishes,
Eric
–
Not what but how much
Potential philanthropists
Is he one, am I?
–
Haiku: Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
Villains idolize villains to surpass them.
Ordinary people idolize heroes, leaders and artists, to emulate them. Usually they feel that their idols are a legend of his own and they will never attain the level.
Now this is where I feel the successors of villains are far superior than the successors of heroes, leaders and artists. Otherwise why do we get more and more “X” files or issues swept under the carpet.
Hello Windy dear,
Yes, one does feel that villains continue to grow in numbers, intensity—and even charm.
Luv and hugz,
Eric
–
Eternal battle
Black knights fatten and flourish
White knights wane, withdraw
–
Haiku: Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
Hi Eric,
I agree with Ian; there’s a lot to think about after reading this haiku. I want to say first thing that it seems the villains always get the wealth, but that’s not necessarily true. And is monetary wealth the ultimate purpose in life? Then to piggyback what Ian said, there are many rich people who do wonderful, unselfish things with their money, which could declare them as heroes. But the majority…You really got us thinking with this one, and I’m super tired, so I’ll end now before I ramble on and on…
Have a good rest of your week, my friend!
Hello Lauren,
People are complex creatures. Even villains love dogs – think Hitler – and so called good guys hide terrible secrets – I rather not provide examples here and succumb to tarnishing their better deeds.
The haiku with its frugal number of words can best provoke thought but seldom, if at all, provide absolute answers. And when we generalise, we dig pot holes.
Trust the week has been great.
Cheers,
Eric
–
Bad tempered maestro
Paedophile priests saving souls
Human shades of grey
–
Haiku: Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
That’s a deep thought and I’ve pondered it for a while. Yes indeed the three idolized do take a lot of attention in today’s world, most times without justification. Unfortunately many of them would be on the same level as villains. The one that made me think more was the classification wealthy. Some like Bill Gates distribute huge amounts of their wealth and on the surface should be heroes and in fairness there are many like that. But the majority got their wealth by walking over the bodies of others and are not heroes. So your statement can be debated for a long time.
Hello Ian,
Thank you for setting aside much time to ponder my words. It is very respectful to the author and says much regarding your approach to life.
Yes, there are known and genuine philanthropists—past and present, and certainly going into the future. The sad part is, what should be a norm is held up as exceptions and as you pointed out—their numbers, compared to the majority, pale into insignificance.
All good wishes,
Eric
–
Perfect man, woman
A drop of milk in black tar
Perfect tar at best
–
Haiku: Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018