For years I have bad-mouthed Jeff Bezos for his lack of philanthropy in spite of being one of the richest men on the planet. I have avoided using Amazon services to an extreme. And when I say he is one of the richest men on the planet, think of this comparison; when Bezos spends $88,000 it is the equivalent to most of us of average comfort spending a couple of bucks.

One day, as I heard myself going through my usual list of criticisms of Bezos, I realized I had best check my facts.

Well shut my mouth.

I apparently missed the news release. In 2022 Jeff Bezos announced that he intends to give all his wealth away during his lifetime. In fact, he has already given $100 million each to José Andrés, Van Jones, and Dolly Parton. These three have the infrastructure to handle that sort of cash inflow through their established foundations and community services. Which speaks volumes to Bezos’ wisdom and I must admit, his generosity. He gave willingly to other charities instead of creating a new ‘Jeff Bezos Mighty Foundation’. 

Reciprocity is a basic tenet of human behaviour. You buy from me, I’ll buy from you. It would be hard to find a person in North America who has not used Amazon services in some capacity and for Bezos not to give back… well, he deserved a bit of criticism. 

Whatever the reasons for his transformation, (perhaps his new relationship — it’s been speculated…), I’m glad to see it. If the global economy continues to create mega-billionaires, it serves us all if they spread their fortune around in positive ways.

There is a saying, the roots of which can be attributed to an essay written by Francis Bacon in the 1600’s;

“Money is like manure. Left in a heap it stinks. Spread it around and it can do a lot of good.”

Stay safe everyone.

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger, unless it’s a holiday weekend. Or summertime. Facebook or email.