According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary: philanthropy – literally love of mankind. Thus, philanthropy is giving money for a purpose or cause benefiting people who you don’t personally know.

“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord: it is holy to the Lord.”
— Leviticus 27:30

Bible teaches everyone to share a tithe. As a scientist I am a bit skeptical with many religious scripts, but in my opinion one tenth or maybe even one fifteenth of income is a fair deal between man and the Universe. One must come to such a conclusion by himself and I must admit that at least for the last 15 years I am following the tithe rule precisely.

In Ukraine, as in absolutely every country, many people need help of all kinds. I have lived in Odessa most of my life and I have seen with my own eyes how many old people were struggling. When Ukraine was attacked by russia on 24-th February 2022, demand for help quadrupled! I donate about 5% of my income to volunteers I know personally who really help many old people every day. Unfortunately, I cannot help everyone, but I know that at least several old men and women get help from me at some point. After the war started in Ukraine, I doubled the amount of income I help old people in need to about 10% of my income.

In brackets to philanthropy meaning in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary it is also stated – Animals are usually included as well. And I must admit – I always loved animals!

“The more I get to know people, the more I love animals.”
— Heinrich Heine

As you may have already guessed, the second part of my tithe goes to help homeless animals. In Ukraine we have many homeless animals who need food, medicine and care every day. So, I donate another 5% of my income to an animal shelter in Odessa that takes care of more than 100 dogs and about 700 cats. When the war started in Ukraine, thousands of cats and dogs were just thrown out of homes on the streets. Fortunately, animal shelters and many animal volunteers took care of most of those cats and dogs. I also doubled the amount of income I help homeless cats and dogs to about 10% of my income.

“The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.”
— Mark Twain

I know that such philanthropists as Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, George Soros, Michael Bloomberg and the like donate much more money to good deeds compared to my donations, but I am trying my best to also be useful to the mankind as much as I can.