The James Bond of Philanthropy

?I recently read an article about an Irish billionaire whose goal in life was to give all of his wealth away. Charles F Feeney wanted to give away his billions to good causes while he was still living and die bouncing his last check – and he actually did it.

Born in 1931 in New Jersey to Irish immigrant parents, Feeney’s views of money were greatly shaped by the lessons of the Great Depression. During his life, he built a fortune selling duty-free luxury goods, amassing a multi-billion-dollar fortune.

Despite his immense wealth, Feeney lived a simple, humble life with few trappings, instead focusing on philanthropy. He started a private foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies, which he used to personally donate almost $9 billion over his lifetime!

Feeney also wanted no fanfare or recognition, donating in anonymity for decades before coming forward in 1997 with the admission, leading him to be called the James Bond of Philanthropy by the media.

He managed to achieve his ultimate goal – giving away all of his fortune - at 89 years old, well before he passed at 92. Consistent with the way he lived, Feeney arranged a simple gravestone that was left blank without his name, leaving only his immense generosity as his legacy.

I was so impacted by the article and the story of this legendary yet incredibly humble philanthropist.

It reminded me that what you do when no one is looking is what makes the person.

Give without expectation.

Give often.

Give without recognition.

Be generous and never ask for anything in return.

What you receive in return will truly fill your cup and make a life fully lived.

-J.D.

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