And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury and he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: for all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Patronage during the Renaissance was considered quite a responsible affair. Philanthropists supported artists, believed in them and never allowed themselves to interfere directly with the creative process of people of art. I myself profess similar principles in the field of cooperation with outstanding cultural figures.
— I want Shelby Company Limited to increase non-taxable charitable contributions to local charities by 25% as for now... and I'm going to build two new institutes for destitute children. One in Saltly, one in Digbeth. I've already identified the buildings. Two former workhouses. I want you to be in charge of the project.
— Why?
— Because I promised someone I was going to change the world.
— Really?
— Yeah. Well, we're all somebody's children.
Philanthropic people lose all sense of humanity. It is their distinguishing characteristic.