In support of philanthropy

Scott Neeson, a former Hollywood executive, sacrificed his $1 million salary, his Porsche, a yacht, and his mansion. He held a garage sale and sold—in his words—“all the useless stuff I owned” and moved to Phnom Pehn, Cambodia, to help that country’s most destitute. This former president of 20th Century Fox International made the decision to give it all up for a life of philanthropy when he saw, firsthand, the plight of sick children rooting for recyclables in the fetid and fuming garbage dump of Stung Meanchey. 

Neeson has since used his executive talents to oversee the building of schools and houses. He operates after-school and vocational programs, day cares and nurseries. His charity, The Cambodian Children’s Fund, provides hundreds of children with clothing and three meals a day (see Tibor Krausz, The Christian Science Monitor, August 10, 2012).

What does Scott Neeson’s example mean for you and me? How can we support this man and others like him? 

The way we choose to live our lives can be a type of active prayer in support of philanthropists. Humility, unselfishness, and moral courage constitute the fiber of a philanthropist’s thought, and the expression of these qualities blesses the world. Mary Baker Eddy, whose life story reveals her as one of history’s great philanthropists, wrote: “The human affections need to be changed from self to benevolence and love for God and man; …” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 50 ). 

Humility

One aspect of humility is moderation. Our striving to live the maxim “Less is more” not only supports the spirit of altruism in the world, but also reveals hidden advantages: less stuff to insure, less house to clean, fewer self-centered issues to occupy our attention. When it comes to controlling our buying habits, the need may be to learn to appreciate, without having to acquire. With humility comes happiness and an increasing sense of freedom.

Unselfishness

We can pray for the Scott Neesons of the world, knowing that God—infinite Love, the one ever-resourceful Mind—is inspiring people in their work to help humanity. We can affirm that philanthropists’ efforts are life- and health-giving—not only to those whom they aid, but to themselves. Eddy stated, “… there is more life and immortality in one good motive and act, than in all the blood which ever flowed through mortal veins and simulated a corporeal sense of life” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 376 ). This line, also by Eddy, from Hymn No. 253 in the Christian Science Hymnal, can be our daily song:

Moral Courage

Christ Jesus lived in a time not only of grinding political oppression, but also of ecclesiastical intolerance—and heavy were the penalties for those who opposed that control. Only a deep, philanthropic love, based on the understanding of his oneness with God, could have prompted Jesus to buck the system—to teach and heal publicly, regardless of the outcome. 

Though there is much less oppression in many parts of the world today, it requires love and moral courage to share Christian Science with friends and acquaintances, because Christian Science runs counter to popular materially based modes of thinking. And yet, isn’t the fact that Christian Science has made one’s life better, enough to tell others that it may help them? Furthermore, since Christian Science holds the greatest promise of progress for humanity by offering people a way to conquer problems of every kind, sharing it with others becomes one of the greatest acts of philanthropy. Eddy’s words strengthen the heart: “Millions of unprejudiced minds—simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert—are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ’s name, and never fear the consequences” (Science and Health, p. 570 ).

Scott Neeson commented, “It’s not about what lifestyle I’d enjoy more when I can make life better for hundreds of children.” If we make humility, unselfishness, and moral courage our “lifestyle,” we can’t help but support the philanthropists of the world—and become philanthropists ourselves. Eddy’s statement, “The good you do and embody gives you the only power obtainable” (Science and Health, p. 192 ), puts a whole new spin on the term high-powered executive.