Those who would administer [charity] wisely must, indeed…
![“Those who would administer [charity] wisely must, indeed, be wise, for one of the serious obstacles to the improvement of our race is indiscriminate charity. It were better for mankind that the millions of the rich were thrown into the sea than spent to encourage the slothful, the drunken, the…” quote by Andrew Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/4eb/andrew-carnegie-2115_being-wise_those-who-would-administer-charity-wisel_1577920.jpg)
“Those who would administer [charity] wisely must, indeed, be wise, for one of the serious obstacles to the improvement of our race is indiscriminate charity. It were better for mankind that the millions of the rich were thrown into the sea than spent to encourage the slothful, the drunken, the unworthy. Of every thousand dollars spent in so-called charity today, it is probable that nine hundred and fifty dollars is unwisely spent - so spent, indeed, as to produce the very evils which it hopes to mitigate or cure.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Charity without discernment can worsen societal problems, rewarding laziness and vice.
In simple terms: Indiscriminate aid harms more than helps.
Key Takeaway
Target aid wisely.
Themes
philanthropy
social responsibility
economics
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public policy
- nonprofit management
- personal giving
Key Concepts
Moral hazard
resource allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can donors assess true impact?
- What safeguards prevent misuse?
A Different Perspective
Charity can enable dependency and corruption.