LibraryScenariosWhen philanthropy serves the donor more than the cause
Scenario

When philanthropy serves the donor more than the cause

I donated a wing to the local hospital and they put up a plaque with my family name but my wife says I only did it so our kids would see our name there forever

Rabia
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Generosity can become a sophisticated form of monument-building to the self.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Legacy and ego — when legacy-building becomes narcissism?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.