“I believe the power to make money is a gift from God . . . to be developed and used to the best of our ability for the good of mankind.”
-John D. Rockefeller
I’ve talked a lot about the causes that Ira Riklis believes in and supports. “Entrepreneurs in this country are some of its most charitable citizens.” Some credit their success because of their giving. Can this be possible?
Here are some common myths about wealth in the US
Myth: Americans are stingy
Fact: The average American citizen gives away 3.5x as much money each year as the average French citizen,7x as much as the average German, and 14x as much as the average Italian.That is per capita.
Myth: As people get wealthier they give less.
Fact: The average American family between 1954 and 2004 (adjusted for inflation) showed a 150% increase in real purchasing power. Family charitable giving also increased over the same period—on average by 190%.
Myth: You can’t profit by being charitable
Fact: Using happiness as a currency — people who give to charity are 43% more likely than people who don’t give to say they’re very happy people. People who give blood are 2x as likely to say they’re very happy people as people who don’t. People who volunteer are happier too. Studies show that when people give, it lowers their levels of stress.