What do you think about giving money to beggars?

Question

Do you think it is rational to pray on money and give to beggars as done in some parts of the world?

Answer 1

The argument I hear most often as the reason NOT to give money to beggars is that they will just use the money for drugs. However, my thinking is that, even if this is the case, perhaps giving them the money now, will prevent them from doing something desperate for the money later, such as mugging someone, or breaking into a house......

Answer 2

In response to the first part of the question, about whether it is rational to pray on money, I would submit that it is not rational to pray on anything.

In response to the second part, about whether it is rational to give money to beggars -- probably not. But altruism should be a personal choice, despite the mind-set of most governments and religions. If you decide that someone is in need of assistance and choose to help, there's nothing wrong with that. If you walk by without giving the beggar a second glance, there's nothing wrong with that, either.

Answer 3

Keep some chewy granola bars with you. Give them those instead of money. There is a beggar in my town that has a sign that says "Why lie? I want beer." It's a very unfortunate situation. I also know people that will go to McDonalds and buy them a meal instead of giving them money.

Answer 4

I know of a guy that stands in the middle of a huge shopping mall with a sign that says "will work for money". I just thought that was an oxymoron since he was surrounded by help wanted signs.
I give money to people that I think really need it. I give most of my money to my church and trust they will distribute it among the poor better than I can. I go to business meetings so I know how the money gets spent.

Answer 5

In Judaism (Jewish religion), we are required to give to beggars. This giving is considered justice rather than charity. I think this is morally right and rational. We don't have to give a lot of money, but we should give something.

Answer 6

Its Better Than Giving Money To Church's

Answer 7

Our beggars here in the US are usually of a different group, compared to say India and Asian countries. But give as human to human , not to make a judgement and make your self feel superior. Quit giving to any organization or Church long ago, but do give on a one to one basis as I can.

Answer 8

if that beggar is really sick[lets say he cant walk,cant see,and all those "you know what"],then its good to give! but if that beggar is still strong and is just lazy to get a job..then just smile at him! at least u gave that beggar something that money cant buy =D

Answer 9

make an on spot judgment! I think we all share the guilt for the way we have structured the world denying subsistence to such large populations... it is to do with the kind of parties we vote for. 40 percent of the world population cannot have 2 times meal because development is structured that way. We take their livelihood away by installing mega dams and refineries on top of their subsistence agriculture. We deserve to suffer from guilt on meeting one of these in the eye in the city square!

What an individual can do is to uphold right kind of political ideology which believes in ensuring equitable access to resources for all. Welfare of all. Join some movement which is working to achieve this.

Answer 10

I think its better to give money to people who are not able to work due to being lame and old age. Those who are able to work should work to earn a living. However its a trick situation in that most people would love to work but their are no jobs for them. So, if you have share the little you have cuase every one seems to be in need especially the way Africa is nowadays.