J. Paul Getty: The Real Story Behind The Man With All The Money In The World

J. Paul Getty Believed That Donating To Charity Was Not Helpful

jean-paul-getty-27.jpg

Terry Fincher/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Getty’s incredible wealth generated unsolicited requests for money and often times he was goaded for donations to charitable organizations and higher education, which he considered “soft-headed humanitarianism.” “If I were convinced that by giving away my fortune I could make a real contribution toward solving the problems of world poverty, I’d give away 99.5 percent of all I have immediately. But a hard-eyed appraisal of the situation convinces me this is not the case. However admirable the work of the best charitable foundation, it would accustom people to the passive acceptance of money,” Getty once said.

Keep reading to see how Getty ultimately decided to give back to society.