The Pentera Blog
Elton John Says Philanthropy Can Save the Giver as Well as the Receivers
We know philanthropy saves lives, but it isn't often that one of the saved lives belongs to the philanthropist. But that's exactly what happened to singer-songwriter Elton John, according to an interview he gave to the Chronicle of Philanthropy recently in which he spoke extensively about the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
"Philanthropy really saved my life," related Elton, who is the subject of a new movie about his life, Rocketman. "I was in a very selfish place and deep into addiction. It was committing to the fight against AIDS and setting up the foundation that got me out of that."
Elton's inspiring quote may be useful in working with budding philanthropists who are ready to turn from acquiring wealth to distributing it to their favorite causes.
'Tis better to give than to receive, the saying goes. And there's another saying: Elton's philanthropy imparted to him a message that originated in a short story by Flannery O'Connor - and once appeared on highway billboards nationwide in regards to safe driving. "The life you save may be your own."
