And in that sense, I do think that there is something to the penance angle -- we in the first world feel some guilt for all of the senseless, wasteful indulgences we take while billions of people still live in poverty, especially when the products of our modern lifestyle are so reliant on the labor of those same people and the resources of the land they inhabit. For me, the most fulfilling form of charity is that which requires my time and energy.
For me, the most fulfilling form of charity is that which requires my time and energy. -That is extremely fulfilling, I agree. That said, so many people are very busy and don't have the time to put in the sweat. They still have the innate desire to give, but not the time. What if there were a way to not augment behavior or take increased $ out of the givers pockets? It would be a no-brainer right? And the giver would receive the benefit of easing this innate intrinsically human desire to give. Question: Would you be more likely to give to a specific person in need or an organization?
1. If you knew that you were helping someone in need by doing something you already do every day, would you be more likely to do it more enthusiastically? Let's say every time you open a door a poor child receives 5 cents. But it has to be a door with a door knob, not an electric sliding door. There are two dry cleaners near your house, one has a door knob door and the other the electric sliding door. Otherwise, all things are equal (cost, convenience, customer service). Wouldn't you naturally go for the one that allows you to give to the child? Sorry for the muddy analogy, hopefully this will be brought to market sometime and it will all make sense.