From the Heart: The Earliest Histories of Making a Difference

While “making a difference” may seem like a relatively new idea, history demonstrates that charitable deeds, compassion, and selflessness have always been a component of human cultures. Humans have always looked for methods to improve their communities and help those in need, from prehistoric ideologies to formalised humanitarian structures. Using data, statistics, and historical documents, this blog post examines the early histories of making a difference, from prehistoric charitable gestures to the formalisation of philanthropy.

Ancient Civilisations and Altruism

Rich Egyptians are depicted giving food to the underprivileged at yearly festivals in tomb inscriptions dating back to 2200 BCE, which is one of the first documented systems of organised philanthropy. It was not only a social and religious obligation for the wealthy and well-resourced to look out for the less fortunate.

Ren, or benevolence, and the obligation to assist others—especially by deeds of compassion and self-sacrifice—were central to the Confucian philosophy of ancient China (c. 551–479 BCE). These lessons influenced a societal mindset in which aiding the underprivileged and the community became essential to social interactions. A type of social security that predated current institutions by millennia was provided by the granaries built by the early Chinese emperors to stockpile food for the underprivileged during famines.

Religious Foundations of Giving

Globally, charity activities have always been greatly influenced by religious teachings. Giving, or daan, was advocated in ancient books like the Rigveda (about 1500 BCE) and was seen as a means of building good karma in Hinduism. In a similar vein, the Jewish custom of tzedakah (charity) is based on the Torah and emphasises that each person has a responsibility to uphold justice rather than just kindness.

Through zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which mandates Muslims to contribute a percentage of their income to the poor and those in need, Islam also established the framework for systematic philanthropy. Zakat has historically been gathered and given out by neighbourhood mosques and state-run charities since the 7th century. It is still an essential kind of giving, supporting billions of charitable causes worldwide.

The Formalisation of Charity in the West

The establishment of formal philanthropic organisations dates back to the early days of Christianity. Christian churches started setting up facilities to help the sick and impoverished by the fourth century CE, including food distribution centres, hospitals, and shelters. In modern-day Turkey, St. Basil of Caesarea constructed one of the oldest hospitals known to history in 369 CE. It provided free medical care and lodging to the impoverished, laying the groundwork for the current welfare state.

Throughout the Middle Ages, “making a difference” became more and more institutionalised, particularly in Europe. By the twelfth century, guilds and monastic orders were providing care for widows, orphans, and the sick, with the Church playing a significant role in coordinating charitable activities. With the increasing establishment of hospitals and almshouses, modern philanthropy started to take shape.

The Rise of Philanthropy

As the emphasis of social responsibility shifted from a religious obligation to a more secular one during the Enlightenment (17th to 19th century), organised philanthropy began to take shape. One significant development during this period was the establishment of the Foundling Hospital in London in 1741, which offered care for abandoned children. This organisation was among the first to establish themselves as official charity through individual donations and public fundraising; the methodology is still in use today.

By the 19th century, wealthy industrialists like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller began practising large-scale philanthropy. Andrew Carnegie’s Gospel of Wealth essay (1889) argued that the wealthy had a moral obligation to use their riches to benefit society. Carnegie himself donated over $350 million (more than $5 billion today) to libraries, universities, and cultural institutions, creating a legacy of structured, impactful giving.

The Modern Impact of Making a Difference

Today, acts of charity and philanthropy continue to grow, with global giving estimated at $485 billion in 2020, according to Giving USA. Of this, 28% was directed toward religious organisations, while 15% supported educational initiatives, highlighting the broad reach and impact of modern philanthropy.

One of the main ways that one can “make a difference” is through volunteering. Data from the UN indicates that over 1 billion people volunteer annually in some capacity, providing economies worldwide with an estimated $1.3 trillion worth of unpaid labour. The tremendous potential that modest, individual acts have when they are a part of a larger movement is demonstrated by this group effort.

Call to Action

No one has to be affluent or have an abundance of resources to make a difference. Experience has taught us that even the tiniest deeds of generosity and kindness have the power to inspire others and influence entire nations and communities over time. We would adore to know what you think! What motivates you to alter things? Let’s have a discussion on how we might carry on this venerable tradition of giving back by exchanging our experiences, thoughts, and queries in the comments section below.

About From the Heart

HeartBeat Blog’s From the Heart series is a heartfelt exploration of the many ways we can create a kinder world. Making a difference and paying it forward don’t have to follow a single path—just because someone chooses a different way to contribute doesn’t mean their impact is any less valuable. Acts of kindness, generosity, and positive change take many forms—some visible, some quiet, but all meaningful. True change happens when we acknowledge and respect the diverse ways people give back, whether through direct action, advocacy, education, or simply offering support in ways that might not be immediately obvious. Every effort counts, and the key is not to measure impact by our own standards alone but to recognise the many ways people strive to make the world better in their own way.

From the Heart captures this spirit through essays, opinions, poetry, non-book reviews, and musings—sharing both everyday and extraordinary moments that inspire change. Alongside these reflections, you’ll find news, event announcements, and updates from the Store with a Heart community, celebrating the many ways we can impact lives and lift one another up. Whether through personal stories, creative expression, or reflections on life’s small but meaningful acts, From the Heart offers an open space to inspire, connect, and celebrate the journey toward a better tomorrow.

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