Philanthropy and Counterintuitive-ism - Bill Gates

Can the world's most renown capitalist be concerned with humanity? The answer to this question would be yes. Today, Gates is second only in wealth to Mexico's Carlos Slim, but only because Carlos doesn't donate the large sums of money that Bill does.

The 'Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation' is considered to be the largest private foundation in the world today. The organization was founded by Microsoft owner Bill Gates in 1994. The philanthropic organization operates out of Seattle, Washington. The organization is controlled by its trustees: Bill Gates, Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett (third wealthiest man in the world). Gates' father William H. Gates is involved in the organization, along with Jeff Raikes who serves as the company's current CEO. The company has donated over $33.5 billion dollars (USA currency) to date. It's considered one of the most important philanthropic organizations in history, as well as one of the most generous ever....

The 'William H. Gates Foundation' was initially founded in 1994, with a stock gift of $94 million dollars (USA currency); the foundation was first named after Gates' father, who currently serves as Co-chair (officer) for the company. In 1999, the foundation was renamed the 'Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation', and has kept this name to date.

Warren Buffett, one of the company's current trustees, has also donated money to the foundation.

The foundation has given $800 million dollars (USA currency) to the 'Global Health Program', for vaccines and immunizations, as well as other healthcare related services.

The foundation has also given to the 'Global Development Program', to help combat world poverty.

The foundation has also given to the 'United States Program', for educational purposes.

John Templeton (1912-2008) once said that choices in life were sometimes counterintuitive. He said, that in order to be a successful commodities broker, you must go against your own mental intuition when it tells you to do something in a certain way. For example - your mind is telling you to go short, you go long, or vice versa. Templeton was also a generous philanthropist. John Templeton was by faith a Presbyterian; nonetheless, he strongly believed in spirituality and freedom of religion for all....

The 'John Templeton Foundation' is a philanthropic organization that funds research about human purpose and ultimate reality.

When we think of rich and powerful people, we tend to accuse them of greed, avarice and ruthlessness. We are right most of the times, however, there are exceptions to the rule. Many wealthy and powerful people have given a great deal of money in the past, be it for tax write offs, or out of kindness, or a little of both..., etc....

Adam Smith begins "The Theory of Moral Sentiments," by saying that people are for the most part good, and that even the most ruthless amongst us has a heart....