Russia: The culture of charity and patronage that existed before the Bolshevik revolution died out long ago.

Better to Receive Than to Give

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by Galina Stolyarova
A debate on corporate charity once again reveals a shocking gap between Russian and Western businesses

“If you have to explain, it means this is something you should not have to explain.”  That line from the Russian Silver Age poet Zinaida Gippius kept buzzing around my head over the course of a debate about attitudes to charity in Russia during last week’s international economic forum in St. Petersburg.

The purpose and benefits of charity were explained to the business moguls at the session again and again...

The huge changes in our society in the last quarter of a century have not killed off these qualities in individuals. But among our business people and political leaders they are indeed close to dead. We need a new approach if humanity and philanthropy are to be revived among those who have the greatest power to give.
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