Ever since the first coin was minted in the seventh century b.c., money has been central to human society as one of the elemental forces driving the affairs of individuals and nations. But for all the preoccupation with the making of money, little attention has been paid to the meaning of money in modern society. Likewise overlooked is the companion question of the culture of giving and caring that automatically accompanies any dominant view of money.

”Doing Well and Doing Good” addresses this blind spot. What is the meaning of money? What are the deepest motives to give? Why should we care for those outside our own groups, especially for the poor and needy outside any group? Answers to questions such as these are decisive for the character of any society, but especially for the citizens of free societies that would remain free. It is not too much to say that as a society creates wealth, gives, and cares, so it is.

“Doing Well and Doing Good” explores the big ideas that shaped the rise of the Western tradition of giving and caring by examining selected writings from some of the most influential thinkers of Western society. Sometimes controversial, often challenging, always illuminating, the issues of money, giving, and caring are fascinating and vital themes that stand at the crossroads of many issues in contemporary society. They are topics that no responsible citizen or leader can afford to ignore.