Book Description
"Masterly on the way philanthropy works."-The New York ObserverFor more than a century, the United States has stood as a beacon of prosperity and democracy, proof that big business and big dreams could flourish side by side. Yet few Americans realize the crucial role that generosity plays in keeping that fragile balance. A leading voice for community development, scholar and former Connecticut College president Claire Gaudiani examines the crucial role of philanthropy in American prosperity. She traces the entrepreuneurial spirit of altruism, finding that generous gifts have powerfully invested in the most critical ingredients of the American economy: people, property, and ingenuity. Rather than pitting the capitalists against the populists, Gaudiani draws a blueprint for a just future, full of opportunities, based on giving.The Greater Good is a passionate, pragmatic, and optimistic manifesto for revitalizing the promise of the American economy.
Customer Reviews:
Finding My Generosity.......2005-08-12
This book is a manifesto and an operational guideline. It explains the "third force" of our social-economic system: philanthropy, and its pivotal role in insuring the successful functioning of free-enterprise in the economic sphere and democracy in the political sphere.
The balance struck between capitalism and democracy is what matters, she says. And that balance is struck by acts of generosity.
"Generosity is capitalism's open and pragmatic acknowledgement that, since democracy's freedoms enhance capitalism's economic powers, then democracy deserves assets from capitalism that contribute to its strength." P. 23. "Capitalism needs democracy's value to remain defensible in society. Conversely, democracy needs capitalism's wealth creation for pursuing justice and opportunity for all." (p. 21)
Gaudiani makes the point that philanthropy (including volunteerism and giving) has been a critical component to the success of the American culture. It was particularly strong in the earlier part of the 20th century: during the "Progressive Era." Since 1970, however, the philanthropic urge has dissipated in relative terms. Because the distribution of wealth continues to get more skewed, and with the conservative trend in today's politics and zeitgeist fostering further disparities between rich and poor and the dismantling of social services such as universal health and social security, the need for philanthropy is never before greater.
But the need isn't simply for more dollars to be given. The crisis is in understanding generosity and how it is part of human happiness. A correct understanding of self interest is needed, she says.
We are at a crossroads and a crisis in our sense of philanthropy and generosity, according to Gaudiani. And, with the incredible rise in millionaire families, the next 30 years will see a class of people who face the choice: keep it all for myself and my children, or give some to insure that the society and culture in which I live will continue to thrive and be great.
It is the American tradition of generosity, according to Gaudiani, and not religion, empathy, or social pressure, that is the most likely cultural force that will sustain the philanthropic spirit. P.168.
Gaudiani speaks in terms of universal human values and wisdom (generosity is a value shared by all world cultures), and forcefully shows with example after example how this force operated in US history. Thus, her book is a great example of interpretive speaking for concrete social action. Her words invoke a cultural shift, and disclose a new world of possibility, while showing us that it can be based on beliefs we already hold, and actions that we already do. She does not introduce new metaphysical premises, but merely reframes, reconfigures, and adds emphasis to what is already within our capacity.
The strength of the book is its organic vision of philanthropy as necessary to fulfill democracy in a free enterprise economy; its comprehensive overview of the main areas of social capital (human, physical, and intellectual capital) and the scores of historical examples of how generosity and philanthropy made important investments in social capital; and its pragmatic program, with specific targets for philanthropy (e.g. increased home ownership by the poor) and plethora of possible mechanisms to achieve these targets (e.g. microlending, ROSCAs, matching donation banks, among others).
The questions that went unanswered by Gaudiani's book, for me, are in the realm of psychology and personal, emotional intelligence. Gaudiani speaks to the need for finding that "correct understanding of self interest" where giving, generosity, and concern for the collective is part of one's personal happiness. She references Enlightenment philosophy about living the good and honorable life, and the new direction in 'behavioral economics'. But she is light on detailing the emotional and psychological dimensions of generosity and altruism. How do I embody a generous outlook and make it work in my life? What does my motivation feel like when I pursue my self interest as incorporating the greater good? What do my interpersonal relationships look like? How do I balance my ego's need for recognition and my concern for others? How do I get from co-dependence to interdependence? How do I transcend my fears of not having enough money or not being good enough so that I am compassionate and know a sense of interconnectedness?
Gaudiani's case is compelling from an objective, systems point of view. And I agree, from this standpoint, with her provocative point: America is rich because it is generous (not vice versa). But from the subjective, personal, 'human interior' point of view, I still wonder how I can be generous and successful. From a personal standpoint, it seems, I can't be generous until I am rich. Perhaps the psychological aspects are for another book.
Gaudiani points to the world's culture wisdom traditions as providing the possibilities for restoring generosity as a prominent value in society. Generosity is truly a universal human value. All cultural traditions esteem it highly. The very concept of human being in the Chinese tradition incorporates benevolence. The Hindu concept of Ahimsa includes sharing one's prosperity with others. The Islamic tradition discourages interest and debt-based financial cooperatives in favor of equity sharing arrangements.
Gaudiani suggests that the cultural diversity of the US - with all the wisdom traditions represented here - is a huge untapped asset for bringing forth new understandings of generosity in our culture. This multidimensional value, that interpenetrates all domains of life, can be re-energized in our culture, she suggests, by encouraging the different ethnic traditions to bring it out.
To me this is an area where citizen discussion groups and workshops could play a big role. These programs would have individuals come together to share their experiences and emotions around the realities of making a living, taking care of oneself, and taking care of others. This is a big complex thing for people to work on, and it is better done within groups, not by individually reading a book. If a companion book is to be written to Gaudiani's important current book, it would be a guidebook for discussion groups to unpack these many personal, life history, and cultural aspects around self interest, the pursuit of happiness, and cultural renewal.
The Christian community should read this book.......2004-07-19
"Most people think that Americans are generous because we are rich. The truth is that we are rich...because we are generous..." So writes Claire Gaudiani. Why should Christians read this book? We don't want to save "Capitalism," do we? Perhaps not, but we know we'd miss it, if it was destroyed. Yes, the Christian community ought to find time to read this wonderful book on the history of American Philanthropy and how it has, in the past, played a vital role in helping to maintain the uniqueness of the American experiment. More importantly, Gaudiani explains the perils of our current "giving habits," the cultural reasons for the trend, and solutions to restore the spirit of philanthropy. She writes, "As more of us are better able every year to satisfy our wants and needs, we are not sharing a larger percentage of our income and wealth. We are retaining it in savings or spending it on ourselves and our families. Yet some segments of the population...are experiencing reductions in their well-being, notably children." Christians for the most part should appreciate America's history of philanthropy, for much of it stems from either the Judeo-Christian worldview or simply from a genuine Christian faith that seeks to "give away what God has given to make other people's lives better." The Christian community should also find a welcome friend in her words: "Philanthropy has, in the past, been quicker than government to imagine, test, and implement innovative methods for solving social problems." Of all people and social groups, the Christian community should read this book, if for anything to learn to appreciate the history of Philanthropy. Giving and developing strategies for philanthropic adventures are more than mere altruism. After reading Gaudiani's book, I find that philanthropy of any kind (American or Christian charity) is the human experience where self-interest and compassion are not in conflict. It is in the best interest of Americans (dare I say Christians) to ensure that everyone has access to the American Dream--the dream of upward mobility. In the humble opinion of this reviewer, more Christian communities and churches should design their own philanthropic adventures and meet the social needs that are knocking on their church doors.
Not so Ancient Wisdom.......2003-12-11
The Philanthropic Revolution started thousands of years ago in the fields of Eygpt when people then new that we need to "care" for each other. Give water to the thirsty passer by.
Claire, with a lot of compassion and breadth, reminds us the the "greater good" needs to be reenvigorated, as did Jane Addams' project to care for the larger community.
Chapter 6 go directly to the undrlyting feeling of the American Spirit.
The past 100 years shows us how to really appreciate and gain from that original intent. This book put's it into perspective and rekindles the spirit of giving.
Happy New Year.
What have you done for mankind lately?.......2003-11-14
I felt compelled to write this review because of the poor content by some of the other contributors -- one who didnt event read the book and the other ranting a personal attack with no focus on the book itself.
As a teacher, Colleen Kyle should know better than anyone else to actually read books before judging them. She might find herself actually learning something from the research of others. This is not a history book, and it doesnt claim to be one. Its encouraging people to re-think philanthropy and the long term impact generosity can have by showing how we have all benefitted from private giving already.
Mr. Chuck Jones needs to spend more time actually giving something back to society and little less time complaining about those who choose to take the personal and professional risks required to be a leader.
I would encourage people to read Gaudiani's book, to learn about how generosity affects society, and then think about what they can do in their local community to improve the lives of the less fortunate.
Bravo to an exceptional leader, scholar, and human being!.......2003-11-09
Any leader, executive, or member of our world society can learn and immediately benefit from this book. Dr. Gaudiani is one of the most exceptional and worthy leaders of our time. Her words of wisdom in this book exemplify the essence of her daily leadership practices. Just as the best leaders of our time have displayed, she is optimistic about human behavior and motivation. Critics' opinions expressed only underscore her importance and our need for her as a leader. Ironically, these opinions bring to light the necessity for a civil society and the "Greater Good." Where there is resistance, there is dissatisfaction with the current state in a social system, and Gaudiani is the ideal leader to provide the vision and first steps to bring us to a more democratic, unified, and satisfied state. Read this book with an understanding that you are learning from an exceptional, understanding, compassionate, highly emotionally intelligent, extremely knowledgable, cultured, worldly leader.
Book Description
A practical guide to proactive investor relations (IR)
Investor relations (IR) has traditionally been an administrative function within corporate communications, responsible for disseminating public information and answering investor and media questions. Using Investor Relations to Maximize Equity Valuation challenges this approach, by arguing that IR has been underutilized and then illustrating how it should be elevated to lead a strategic communications effort to preserve or enhance corporate value and lower a company's cost of capital. Divided into four comprehensive parts, this book clearly describes capital markets strategies and tactical operations that these former, senior-level equity analysts and portfolio managers employ.
Chad A. Jacobs (Westport, CT) and Thomas M. Ryan (Westport, CT) are the cofounders and co-CEOs of Integrated Corporate Relations.
Download Description
A practical guide to proactive investor relations (IR)
Investor relations (IR) has traditionally been an administrative function within corporate communications, responsible for disseminating public information and answering investor and media questions. Using Investor Relations to Maximize Equity Valuation challenges this approach, by arguing that IR has been underutilized and then illustrating how it should be elevated to lead a strategic communications effort to preserve or enhance corporate value and lower a company's cost of capital. Divided into four comprehensive parts, this book clearly describes capital markets strategies and tactical operations that these former, senior-level equity analysts and portfolio managers employ.
Chad A. Jacobs (Westport, CT) and Thomas M. Ryan (Westport, CT) are the cofounders and co-CEOs of Integrated Corporate Relations.
Customer Reviews:
Consultants explain investor relations.......2006-07-04
Authors and consultants Thomas M. Ryan and Chad A. Jacobs, cofounders of an investor relations consultancy, provide a basic introduction to the ways of Wall Street that will be useful to new staffers in investor relations (IR) departments, or to companies that are deciding how to handle IR. The most valuable part of the book comes in chapter 20, where the authors offer companies a good guide to handling earnings releases and stock analysts' conference calls. The least valuable part is the oft-repeated advice to companies that they should hire investor relations consultants - like the authors. We suggest this book to companies that are defining their investor relations function.
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Plant & Insect Mycoplasma Techniques (Halsted Press Book)
Manufacturer: Routledge
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0709902727 |
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Plant and insect mycoplasma techniques
Manufacturer: Wiley
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ASIN: 0470272627 |
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Pseudomonas syringae Pathovars and Related Pathogens (Developments in Plant Pathology)
Manufacturer: Springer
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Flowers
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ASIN: 0792346017 |
Book Description
During the last decade, research on
Pseudomonas syringae pathovars and related pathogens has progressed rapidly, opening up many new avenues. The application of molecular genetics has provided new insights into determinants of pathogenicity and virulence. Progress has also been made in elucidating the chemical structures and modes of action of phytotoxins from
Pseudomonas syringae; by establishing novel strategies for disease control; in biotechnological applications; by studying the resistant reaction of the plant with a combined biochemical and genetic approach; and in the development of new detection and identification methodologies as tools in epidemiological studies. With such rapid advances it becomes more and more difficult to keep abreast of the developments and concepts within disciplines, all involving research on pathovars of
P. syringae.
In an attempt to provide a balanced overview, recent developments in these rapidly expanding fields have been critically reviewed at the beginning of each chapter by internationally renowned experts. Our comprehensive coverage has been made possible because all the contributors to this volume presented their latest findings at the `5th International Conference on
Pseudomonas syringae Pathovars and Related Pathogens' in Berlin, September 3-8, 1995. In this way, it was possible to bring together contributions from a wide range of fields including phytopathology, genetics, bacteriology, plant breeding, plant protection, and taxonomy. This book is not intended simply as a record of the proceedings of the Berlin Conference, but as an extension of recent findings and hypotheses put forward at the meeting. All papers published in this volume have been reviewed by the Editors.
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Studies in Natural Product Chemistry : Stereoselective Synthesis, Part D (Studies in Natural Products Chemistry)
Manufacturer: Elsevier Science & Technology
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ASIN: 0444885668 |
Book Description
Hardbound. The synthesis of complex natural products has attracted the efforts of the foremost organic chemists, both because many natural products have exhibited significant biological activity and because they have taxed the ingenuity of many brilliant minds towards developing synthetic routes to them. During the last decade, organic synthesis has evolved in an accelerated manner, particularly in the field of stereoselective methods for the synthesis of natural products of increasing complexity. The present volume is the fourth devoted to stereoselective synthesis. The articles included in the book cover the synthetic approaches to marine terpenoids, allenic and acetylenic carotenoids, gibberellins, antheridiogens, fungal metabolites, macrocycle antibiotics, sugar analogues, peptidoglycan analogues, chemical defense agents in ants, medium sized ring heterocycles, Strychnos alkaloids, semiochemicals and bioregulators. The authoritative reviews are all wr
Book Description
This highly readable volume covers a vast array of subjects, including number theory, topology, set theory, geometry, algebra, and analysis. Additional topics include primes, fundamental theory of arithmetic, rationals and irrationals, representation of numbers, congruence, probability, more. 1994 edition. Solution guide available upon request.
Customer Reviews:
the man made universe.......2006-11-10
This book came on time and was in perfect condition. Just what i needed for my college level math class
A classic........1999-02-28
A great book
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Alexander A Friedmann: The Man who Made the Universe Expand
Eduard A. Tropp ,
Viktor Ya. Frenkel , and
Artur D. Chernin
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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ASIN: 0521025885 |
Book Description
Our universe can be described mathematically by a simple model developed in 1922 at Petrograd (St. Petersburg) by Alexander Friedmann (1888-1925). Without the benefit of observational evidence, Friedmann predicted that the whole universe would expand and evolve with time. This astonishing prediction was confirmed seven years later by Edwin Hubble. Its originator, unfortunately didn't live to savor this triumph. This vivid biography of an outstanding scientist sets his life and work against a wide backdrop of the history of cosmological studies and its major players, such as Einstein and others. The book is a window on Friedmann's school and university years, military service, and teaching and research during a seminal period of Soviet history. The authors include unique archival material, such as Friedmann's letters from the Russian Front, as well as contemporary records and reminiscences of colleagues. There is a detailed treatment of his work in theoretical cosmology (1922-1924), set in the context of the organization of Soviet science at the time.
Product Description
An Introduction to the spirit of mathematics by Sherman K. Stein
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Richard III and His Early Historians, 1483-1535
Alison Hanham
Manufacturer: Oxford Univ Pr (Txt)
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ASIN: 0198224346 |
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Vergil in the Middle Ages
Domenico Comparetti
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
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ASIN: 0691026785 |
Book Description
From its first complete Italian printing in 1872 up to the present day, Domenico Comparetti's Vergil in the Middle Ages has been acknowledged as a masterpiece, regarded by some critics as "a true and proper history of European consciousness from antiquity to Dante." Treating Vergil's poetry as a foundation of Latin European identity, Comparetti seeks to give a complete history of the medieval conception of the preeminent poet. Scholars of the time had transformed Vergil into a sage and a seer, a type of universal philosopher--even a Christian poet and a guide of a Christian poet. In the mid-twelfth century, there surfaced legends that converted Vergil into a magician, endowing him with supernatural powers. Comparetti explores the ongoing interest in Vergil's poetry as it appeared in popular folklore and legends as well as in medieval classical scholarship. This great synthesizing work, which has been unavailable for over twenty years, is now back in print, based on E.F.M. Benecke's 1895 translation of the Italian second edition.
Comparetti begins with the period in which Vergil lived and goes on to evaluate how the later images, particularly the legends, of Vergil coincide with the more scholarly accounts of his life. The result is a grand sweep of literary history from the first century B.C.E. through the end of the Middle Ages, with implications for the nineteenth century and the rise of Italian nationalism.
Customer Reviews:
Great.......2000-05-10
Just what I needed for my report. This book has truly great information. A great source for Vergil's importance in the Middle Ages.
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VERGIL IN THE MIDDLE AGES
Manufacturer: Swan Sonnenschein and Company Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GOZYJW |
Books:
- The Implications of Changing Employment Relations for Worker's Compensation
- The Logic of Collective Action: Public Goods and the Theory of Groups, Second printing with new preface and appendix (Harvard Economic Studies)
- The Professions in Early Modern England, 1450-1800 (Themes in British Social History)
- The Social Health of the Nation: How America Is Really Doing
- The t in Ceta: Local and National Perspectives
- To Make the Earth Bear Fruit: Essays on Fertility, Work and Gender in Highland Bolivia (Ilas Series)
- Unions and Workers: Limitations and Possibilities
- Voices of the Poor: Volume 2: Crying Out for Change (World Bank Publication)
- Welfare For The Unemployed In Britain And Germany: Who Benefits?
- What the Market Does to People: Privatization, Globalization and Poverty
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