|
|
 |
|
Viewing report
|
|
|
|
Philanthropy of George Soros: Building Open Societies
Perseus Books, April 2011, Pages: 384
George Soros is one of the world’s leading philanthropists. Over the past 30 years, he has provided more than $7 billion to his network of foundations, known collectively as the Open Society Institute, for projects around the world and in the United States. In an extensive introduction, Soros writes in detail for the first time about his vision for philanthropy. “I have always been leery of philanthropy,” he writes, “Philanthropy is supposed to be devoted to the benefit of others, but many philanthropists are primarily concerned with their own benefit.” Soros engages in philanthropy not out of a desire for praise or to impose his vision upon the world but out of a strong sense of moral duty: “My success in the financial markets has given me a greater degree of independence than most other people enjoy. This allows me to take a stand on controversial issues. In fact, my exceptional position obliges me to do so.”
The book goes on to tell the story of the groundbreaking work OSI has done over the past twenty-five years in support of the concept of open society, the cornerstone of Soros’s commitment to democracy, justice and human rights. In the Balkans and Eastern Europe, OSI grantees are helping Europe’s much-maligned Roma people develop literacy and media skills, enabling them to take their rightful place in society. In Lesotho, OSI-funded hospitals battle drug-resistant tuberculosis – and the dangerous cultural biases that propagate its transmission. From Indonesia to Nigeria to Azerbaijan, OSI is funding local grassroots NGOs in making governments report the payments they get from international corporations, thus reducing corruption and increasing transparency. OSI grantees are currently helping Burmese exiles develop the necessary communication and government skills that will be crucial in rebuilding Burma in the future. Soros is celebrated for his brilliant financial and economic insights and his investment strategies. But his contribution to philanthropy and the impact of his generosity is equally impressive. This book reveals the thinking and practice that drives a lesser known aspect of this remarkable man’s life, his goals for society and his philosophy.
|
|
|
|
