ABSTRACT
People are called to become philanthropists for many reasons. Some heed a religious call; some have secular motives. Some explain their giving with universalising philosophical justifications, saying they are acting on the logic that all humans are equal or the obligation to achieve “the greatest good for the greatest number.” Others explain their giving with intensely personal accounts, including stories of good fortune or help they have received in the past that they feel called now to “give back” in some way. Most accounts of philanthropic callings include mixed motives, and a complicated mix of free choice and felt obligation. The idea of a “calling” as explored in this section reflects both motives and obligations. It captures the reasons why people should give, and why they say they actually do give.
