A lecture by Jorma Sagner[i] , principal of the Weinheim secondary modern school, and an article in DIE ZEIT[ii] about homeless young people have once again made it clear to me in recent weeks that a stable environment cannot be taken for granted. That’s how I came uo with the idea to write about charity:
- In an increasingly individualistic society, it acts as a counterbalance to pure self-interest.
- It touches on sociopolitical issues: solidarity, the welfare state, migration, and neighborly assistance.
- It highlights the tension between universalism (all people) and particularism (one’s own community first).
What are the key takeaways here?
There is social “injustice” in the world. Not everyone is fortunate enough to grow up in a stable, loving family environment.
In addition to individual consequences, this also has societal implications:
- Narcissism is not only genetically determined; about half of it depends on individual environmental influences and experiences.[iii] Above all, personal experiences in life – such as those at school, with friends, at work, or within one’s social circle – are important.[iv]
- Psychopathy is not solely congenital. A cold, unloving, or violent environment during childhood can greatly increase the risk.[v]
In addition to psychological insights, there are also philosophical ones. I find it interesting
- that the Golden Rule (“Treat others as you would like to be treated by them”) exists in almost all cultures, and that
- Aristotelian ethics of friendship show that love for one’s neighbor often begins on a small scale, in concrete interactions, rather than in abstract principles.
What does charity mean for me?
If about half of human behavior depends on the environment, I can make an effective contribution (on an individual level).
For example, by questioning prejudices, drawing attention to those who have no voice of their own, and letting many “small acts of kindness” in everyday life “speak for themselves” in the spirit of love for one’s neighbor – from a contagious smile to concrete acts of assistance.
In my role as mayor, I can also leverage institutional resources.
Food for thought for children
Stimulate curiosity about charity by asking relevant questions
- „Is it okay to think of yourself first before helping others?”
- “Why is it easier to help friends than strangers?”
- “The story of the Good Samaritan as a conversation starter: Who is actually ‘my neighbor’?”
Use positive examples and actively model in everyday life what a single person can accomplish.
Help instill relevant faith principles – for example, as part of a morning or evening routine: A more just world and balance are worth striving for, and many small steps contribute to this.
Note: This is my first blog post that I’ve optimized using Claude.ai.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
[i] Kindheit und Jugend heute – und morgen? Wie können wir das Potential der Jugend gewinnen und erhalten? Auf der 47. Summer-Meeting of the Wirtschaftsgilde e.V. in Oberstdorf, July 3th 2026
[ii] https://www.zeit.de/2026/33/wohnungslose-jugendliche-obdachlosigkeit-drogen-familie
[iii] https://aktuell.uni-bielefeld.de/2026/04/02/narzissmus-in-familien-ist-ueberwiegend-genetisch-bedingt/
[iv] https://www.psychotherapie-salzburg.de/ist-narzissmus-angeboren
[v] https://psychopathyis.org/woher-kommt-psychopathie/