February 2006: PHILANTHROPY

Literally: “love of mankind” – from the Greek words phil (loving) + anthropes (man).

Meaning: Charity, almsgiving, goodness etc;

• The effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations.
• Love of humankind in general.
• Something, such as an activity or institution, intended to promote human welfare.

Example: Philanthropy – many organizations benefited from the wealthy man’s philanthropy.

The Greek word, “anthropes” also gives us such words as misanthrope: one who hates mankind, and anthropology: (Greek – logy, science of the study of): The study of man, the origin, and physical and cultural development, e.g. an anthropoid resembling man – as an anthropoid ape.