The Million Pound Donors Report 2012 - University of Kent

The other main organisation that I support is London’s
Classical Opera company founded by Ian Page some 14
years ago, which puts on world class performances of the
works of Mozart and its contemporaries, using period
instruments. I do not subscribe to any faith, and I don’t
give because I’m fearful of hell, but sometimes I think that
god might exist because god created Mozart! Whilst
Mozart is playing we are all united by beauty. It transcends
the differences within the audience – there is no jealousy,
no anger, we are all one whilst the music is playing. I also
hope that the company, which financially supports young
artists, might one day produce a new Mozart, a Callas or
Pavarotti.
I believe in youth in a genuine way. Any worthwhile cause is
good enough, whether it’s education or hospitals to
alleviate pain, but I’m keen to support children because
they’re our future. My philosophy is that I want to give my
children, and their children, a better world than the one I
inherited.
Life is very short, so we need to ask: ‘What am I supposed
to contribute during my time on this earth?’ you have to be
at equilibrium with yourself and have a philosophy, and
decide what you want to do with your life, and how you’re
going to use your money. As many people have pointed out:
money does not buy you happiness, and anyway I can only
drive one car or eat one meal at a time. My existence is
irrelevant, so I need to find a way to make it relevant.
There is so much to be done, there are a lot of things that
are wrong in our society and there are a lot of difficulties in
the world, for instance 1 billion people live in poverty. So,
we need to try and make it better and if it doesn’t work out,
then at least we gave it a go. I know that my donations are
just a drop in the ocean, but I enjoy spending my money in
this way far more than accumulating real estate or wine.
the MIllIon PoUnd donors rePort 2012
you can always add another zero to your bank account -
there is no limit to what you can accumulate but that is not
what life is all about.
My wife and daughters are 100% behind my philanthropy.
When I die, whoever is left behind will continue with the
same ferocity and commitment. none of what we are doing
today will stop – maybe they will do bigger and better
things.
I would say to other people: do what you can do with what
you have. Don’t worry about what other people think, don’t
gloat about it, don’t do philanthropy because you fear
something or because you expect a reward, just do it
because there is so much to be done. Wherever your
inspiration comes from, whether it’s religion or something
else, philanthropy will bring you satisfaction in a way that
spending the money on material things never can.
I would strongly suggest that if people have the time and
the resources, then root out any negative thoughts and just
try it by selecting a worthwhile project that will make a
difference in other people’s lives. Stay close to that project,
get regular reports and enjoy seeing the effects your money
is having.
I would also say: don’t just write a cheque and disappear. If
you get involved and are part of the process of improving
things in a personal way, then I guarantee the rewards will
be far greater than you ever imagined.”
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