In his 1642 work, “Religio Medici,” Sir Thomas Browne stated, “Charity begins at home.” While many have adopted the concept as an instrument for public good, many have abused it in the pursuit of selfish interest. The latter might have made Thomas Fuller share another perspective: “Charity begins at home, but should not end there.” Let’s reflect on the misapplication of the concept of “Charity begins at home.”
Do you know many have indulged in vices yet attribute their inglorious acts to the concept of “Charity begins at home?” Do you know that the misapplication of the concept has contributed to the increased vices we have in the society today? As lovely as the concept may be, the definition of “home” has been so twisted that it can be interpreted as “anything” to meet the parochial interest of the interpreter. How long “charity” should stay at home before expanding to others has also been an issue of subjective interpretations.
Additionally, the length and breadth of “charity” that should begin at home and how much it should be before leaving home is another area of subjective interpretations. Many who indulge in vices such as nepotism, tribalism, and even selfishness justify their obnoxious acts and even portray them as virtues on the ground of making charity begin at home. Unfortunately, some of the beneficiaries of such acts praise and pour accolades on the practitioners without considering that the concept of “Charity begins at home” shouldn’t be the instruments to overlook merit, degrade equity, promote disunity, push aside inclusiveness, or cheat others who are considered as non-members of the “home.” Rather, charity should be an instrument of social bonding, care for one another, and promotion of human good.
So, enhance your capacity for charity without promoting selfishness in the name of “Charity begins at home.” Don’t wait until your needs and wants are fully met before you practice charity. Let Jack London’s note guide you: “A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog when you are just as hungry as the dog.” Is your perception of home limiting your charitable work? Challenge yourself to expand your definition of “home” to areas outside yourself, family, or tribe. Note that seeing humanity as your “home” is a virtuous way of practising “Charity begins at home.” When tempted to resort to selfishness in the name of “Charity begins at home,” remind yourself of Martin Luther King Jr.’s declaration: “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” Don’t forget, as Abraham Lincoln said, “To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.”
As you step out this month, be an instrument of positive impact on humanity. Say NO to vices such as selfishness, nepotism, tribalism, and the likes manifesting under any guise. Wherever you are, never forget Mahatma Gandhi’s note: “The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” Remember, as Horace Mann said, “Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves.” Let your charity begin at home, but let your home be humanity. If it’s not, please don’t let your charity end at home.
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Prof. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registed chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, certified management consultant, World Safety Organization Ambassador, recognized Environmental Ambassador, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for some international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He is a manager in the oil and gas industry and was recognized by Highstone Global University, USA as the occupational health and safety personality of 2024. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
