Jane Addams

Recently read Jane Addams' book on democracy and ethics.  A very interesting book written in the very early twentieth century.  It enlightened me on the concept of benevolence.  The concept is that the superior, more well-off individual, has a duty to care for the more unfortunate ones, who have, in return, a duty to be thankful and "beholding" to the benevolent one.  The concept of the superior person practicing benevolence for the lesser person is a subject that should be examined in modern times.  Addams saw it for what it was; and that was in the late 1800's and early 1900's. 

She uses the example of the factory owner, amassing great wealth, who builds a community for the workers, the factory employees.  The owner of the factory  provided everything; a store, homes, and wages for the workers.  All given out of the great benevolence of the owner.  Yet, the owner was outraged and genuinely hurt when the workers wanted to form a union.  The owner thought the employees were ungrateful and he refused to bargain with them under any circumstances.

So how is this viewed., who is correct?  How could these employees be so ungrateful?  The owner was looking after the employees and gave them everything they needed, didn't he?  He was correct, was he not?  In the world view of the owner, based upon his personal ethics of benevolence, he was giving the workers what he believed they needed.  The views of the employees were not considered.  However, the view from the employees point of view was quite different.  What satisfied their wants and desires was not what the owner wanted.  Addams found this in her relationship with her father.  She was not allowed to do what she wanted because her father would not approve, yet he provided her with everything, as long as she did want he wanted.  She felt guilty for not being grateful to him for all he provided and she was resentful also.  She did not want his benevolence.  

We can see this concept running through our world today.  Benevolence based on various ethics;  religious, secular, or philosophical.  Our government strives to be benevolent, as do our churches, businesses, and our families.  We must be careful though.  The one who is the recipient of this benevolence can be stifled.   The person receiving the benevolence should not be made to feel that they should be forever grateful.  Further, the personal wants and desires of the recepient of the benevolence must be considered.  More later.