January 29, 2009 | Read Time: 1 minute
NEW BOOKS
We Make a Life by What We Give
by Richard B. Gunderman
Richard B. Gunderman, a physician specializing in radiology and a professor of radiology, pediatrics, medical education, philosophy, liberal arts, and philanthropy at Indiana University–Purdue University at Indianapolis, explores the philosophical and ethical aspects of philanthropy in 22 essays, delving into topics such as the donor’s relationship to the recipient, why donors give, and how philanthropy means more than just writing a check.
In one chapter, “Lower and Higher,” Mr. Gunderman explores how philanthropy and giving are part of the identity and personal “story” of the donor.
“We are moved to give to people when we see them as part of our story or ourselves as part of their story. For generosity to find expression, an act of giving must fit into a narrative, and that narrative must be one we care about.”
He also explores how pride, not generosity, can motivate large gifts and how big gifts are sometimes less about altruism than about showing off wealth. Mr. Gunderman draws from a variety of sources in his essays, including the Bible and Aristotle, classical literature, and modern-day films.
Publisher: Indiana University Press, 601 North Morton Street, Bloomington, Ind. 47404; (800) 842-6796; fax (812) 855-8507; iuporder@indiana.edu; http://iupress.indiana.edu; 216 pages; $24.95; ISBN 978-0-253-35076-3.
