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From Generosity to Justice: A New Gospel of Wealth
Andrew Carnegie wrote his original "Gospel of Wealth" in 1889, during the height of the gilded age, when the country's 4,000 richest families held almost as much wealth as the other 11.6 million American families combined. His essay laid the foundation for modern philanthropy.
Today, we find ourselves in a new gilded age—defined by levels of inequality that far surpass those of Carnegie's time. The widening chasm between haves and have-nots demands our immediate attention.
Now is the time for a new "Gospel of Wealth."
In From Generosity to A New Gospel of Wealth, Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, articulates a bold vision for philanthropy in the twenty-first century. With contributions from an array of thinkers, activists, and leaders including Ai-jen Poo, Laurene Powell Jobs, David Rockefeller Jr., and Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, Walker challenges and emboldens readers to consider philanthropy as a tool for achieving economic, social, and political justice.
That task requires humility, moral courage, and an unwavering commitment to democratic values and institutions. It demands that all members of society recognize their own privilege and position, address the root causes of social ills, and seek out and listen to those who live amid and experience injustice.
What began in Carnegie's day as a manual for generosity now becomes a guide that moves us closer to justice—a guide that helps each of us find a way to contribute.
Justice is calling. It's time we answer.
Today, we find ourselves in a new gilded age—defined by levels of inequality that far surpass those of Carnegie's time. The widening chasm between haves and have-nots demands our immediate attention.
Now is the time for a new "Gospel of Wealth."
In From Generosity to A New Gospel of Wealth, Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, articulates a bold vision for philanthropy in the twenty-first century. With contributions from an array of thinkers, activists, and leaders including Ai-jen Poo, Laurene Powell Jobs, David Rockefeller Jr., and Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, Walker challenges and emboldens readers to consider philanthropy as a tool for achieving economic, social, and political justice.
That task requires humility, moral courage, and an unwavering commitment to democratic values and institutions. It demands that all members of society recognize their own privilege and position, address the root causes of social ills, and seek out and listen to those who live amid and experience injustice.
What began in Carnegie's day as a manual for generosity now becomes a guide that moves us closer to justice—a guide that helps each of us find a way to contribute.
Justice is calling. It's time we answer.
- GenresNonfictionSocial Justice
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2023
67 people are currently reading
1020 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 17, 2024
Starting my first job in philanthropy this year, I've often heard colleagues mention the Ford Foundation and Darren Walker. He seems to be somewhat of a celebrity in the progressive philanthropy world, and after reading his book, I understand why. Walker is a compelling, compassionate, and galvanizing leader. He's the kind of person I’d love to share a meal with to hear more about his upbringing, education, mentors, etc.
The contradictions inherent in philanthropy are a common struggle for many in the field, myself included. I approached Walker's book subconsciously hoping for a magic answer to these complex questions. While I appreciate the structure of the book, with chapters covering broad themes, I often found myself wishing Walker had gone deeper — more specificity, more examples from the sector, and more direct calls to action.
Some of the most impactful parts of the book were the quotes. Here are a few that will stick with me:
• “Pursuing justice—pursuing any major social change—entails taking immense risk. It entails making yourself accountable to criticism, to potential failure, to positional forces. Fortunately, we are not alone in this fight, nor do we lack guiding lights. There are leaders, both past and present, who exemplify what it means to pursue justice in the face of risk.”
• “The American policies of termination and extermination weren’t as detrimental to American Indians as the goodwill of white women.” - Carly Hare
• “When we try to find other peoples solutions, we inevitably cause new problems.” - Carly Hare
• “Are we more concerned about others’ liberation, or our own legacy?”
• “The truth is to see what ignorance and bias looks like, we need only to look in a mirror. For every instance of blatant ignorance and bias—of, for example, extreme prejudice and racism—there are subtler ways that these forces infect our own thinking and impede the work of social justice.”
Overall, this book was a worthwhile read as I navigate my role in philanthropy and my own journey toward justice. However, I was left wanting more, feeling slightly frustrated by the undertones of saviorism present by some of the philanthropists interviewed and the absence of concrete, sector-specific guidance.
The contradictions inherent in philanthropy are a common struggle for many in the field, myself included. I approached Walker's book subconsciously hoping for a magic answer to these complex questions. While I appreciate the structure of the book, with chapters covering broad themes, I often found myself wishing Walker had gone deeper — more specificity, more examples from the sector, and more direct calls to action.
Some of the most impactful parts of the book were the quotes. Here are a few that will stick with me:
• “Pursuing justice—pursuing any major social change—entails taking immense risk. It entails making yourself accountable to criticism, to potential failure, to positional forces. Fortunately, we are not alone in this fight, nor do we lack guiding lights. There are leaders, both past and present, who exemplify what it means to pursue justice in the face of risk.”
• “The American policies of termination and extermination weren’t as detrimental to American Indians as the goodwill of white women.” - Carly Hare
• “When we try to find other peoples solutions, we inevitably cause new problems.” - Carly Hare
• “Are we more concerned about others’ liberation, or our own legacy?”
• “The truth is to see what ignorance and bias looks like, we need only to look in a mirror. For every instance of blatant ignorance and bias—of, for example, extreme prejudice and racism—there are subtler ways that these forces infect our own thinking and impede the work of social justice.”
Overall, this book was a worthwhile read as I navigate my role in philanthropy and my own journey toward justice. However, I was left wanting more, feeling slightly frustrated by the undertones of saviorism present by some of the philanthropists interviewed and the absence of concrete, sector-specific guidance.
December 16, 2019
If you donate money, volunteer, vote, protest, or don’t engage in any of those behaviors, this book is for you. Walker is dauntless in his willingness to call out what we all have to do to make a better world. It is an uncomfortable and inspiring read. The work is laid out and I am grateful to feel allies in this book as I roll up my sleeves.
March 30, 2020
Excellent look at the premise that we must change our approach to helping those most fragile in our society Way more important than charity, is working to attack and rectify the roots of poverty and inequality and all -isms in our society. This this is much HARDER than writing a check. And socially and politically harder to do. There are accolades for writing a check. Working to change entrenched systems is not always so accepted.
Points he made include: We must listen and engage with those we want to give a hand up to. I have learned and violated this idea in my years as a sw. We must engage in this work because it is the socially responsible thing to do, not for the attention and ego perks. Philanthropy is not just money. We all have gifts due to our privilege that we can use to contribute to the cause we want to support. And also we must listen to those who are already doing this work and the institutions working in this area. Many more important issues were addressed.
Finally I love the rewritten Tenets of Wealth by the Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. I think we need to incorporate them in justice work. Much more in touch with our times.
I really appreciated how he wrote the book. A chapter on a point he is making then an interview or description of someone's contributions using this tenet/concept
Points he made include: We must listen and engage with those we want to give a hand up to. I have learned and violated this idea in my years as a sw. We must engage in this work because it is the socially responsible thing to do, not for the attention and ego perks. Philanthropy is not just money. We all have gifts due to our privilege that we can use to contribute to the cause we want to support. And also we must listen to those who are already doing this work and the institutions working in this area. Many more important issues were addressed.
Finally I love the rewritten Tenets of Wealth by the Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. I think we need to incorporate them in justice work. Much more in touch with our times.
I really appreciated how he wrote the book. A chapter on a point he is making then an interview or description of someone's contributions using this tenet/concept
January 16, 2021
Long before I read this book, I admired Darren Walker as a trailblazer in philanthropy. He has a remarkable story. Born into poverty in Texas, educated exclusively in public schools, practiced law before transitioning to a career in community development and ,eventually, transitioning once more to a Programs role at Rockefeller Foundation. He is the first black queer president of a major foundation. And he has pushed the envelope in countless ways to transform how folks think about philanthropy, its role, and its mission.
From Generosity to Justice offers a glimpse of Walker’s thoughts about philanthropy’s history, shortcomings, what it gets right, and how it should shift- all in reference to Carnegie’s “The Gospel of Wealth.” In fact, this book is a continuation of an essay Walker penned a few years ago.
There are incredible nuggets of wisdom fused into each chapter. However, after a few chapters, the book begins to feel a bit of repetitive. Moreover, with respect to the chapters that are interview-style, there is a bit overlap in the interviewees shared.
From Generosity to Justice offers a glimpse of Walker’s thoughts about philanthropy’s history, shortcomings, what it gets right, and how it should shift- all in reference to Carnegie’s “The Gospel of Wealth.” In fact, this book is a continuation of an essay Walker penned a few years ago.
There are incredible nuggets of wisdom fused into each chapter. However, after a few chapters, the book begins to feel a bit of repetitive. Moreover, with respect to the chapters that are interview-style, there is a bit overlap in the interviewees shared.
July 15, 2020
Groundbreaking insight on how philanthropy has changed since Carnegie wrote The Gospel of Wealth.
July 15, 2024
This was better than I expected. I hope those with financial power internalize it and go on to read the works of Edgar Villanueva and Anand Giriharadas and others.
March 17, 2025
I picked this book up because I loved Andrew Carnegie’s gospel of wealth and its intellectual and systematic rigor of how philanthropists should be thinking about giving, but I walked away thoroughly disappointed. I only finished because someone who work with me recommended it and I needed to be able to say I finished it
The overarching point of the book, that we should focus less on handouts (charity) and more on addressing systemic issues (justice) is a good one and non controversial.
But then he doesn’t address in any real depth what those systemic problems are! He instead tells stories about how certain philanthropists tried to do this (Laurene Powell Jobs in education opportunity, George Kaiser in equal opportunities for children), some of which are economically dubious (like raising the minimum wage or focusing of equitable outcomes vs opportunity) and chides the wealthy into thinking they are any smarter than anyone else, at times almost chiding the wealthy to let professionals manage their giving for them.
What made Andrew Carnegie’s original Gospel of Wealth so powerful is it provided a framework of HOW and WHAT philanthropists should be considering when determining what to fund and what to invest in to have a greater impact on society. To actually help the poor. To actually care for those without economic or educational opportunities (that is why Carnegie focused on things like libraries and schools, to help those who aren’t from privileged backgrounds to pull themselves out of their situation. And these are precisely items that I’m sure Walker would say still fall under the Justice category and not charity).
Walker instead speak in vague generalities of moving to justice, and the anecdotal examples he gives never actually provide a framework on how to effect real societal or structural solutions.
It makes me sad that someone like Walker, who manages multi billions in foundational money, argues we need to replace Carnegie’s tired trope and then can’t articulate a vision for philanthropy with any rigor whatsoever. The repeated chides of the wealthy to check their ego and trust others (eg existing institutions) felt like a grab to consolidate more power in existing foundational institutions, and a sign of a philanthropy industrial complex.
Waste of time to read. Read Carnegie’s Gospel of wealth instead and don’t bother with this one.
The overarching point of the book, that we should focus less on handouts (charity) and more on addressing systemic issues (justice) is a good one and non controversial.
But then he doesn’t address in any real depth what those systemic problems are! He instead tells stories about how certain philanthropists tried to do this (Laurene Powell Jobs in education opportunity, George Kaiser in equal opportunities for children), some of which are economically dubious (like raising the minimum wage or focusing of equitable outcomes vs opportunity) and chides the wealthy into thinking they are any smarter than anyone else, at times almost chiding the wealthy to let professionals manage their giving for them.
What made Andrew Carnegie’s original Gospel of Wealth so powerful is it provided a framework of HOW and WHAT philanthropists should be considering when determining what to fund and what to invest in to have a greater impact on society. To actually help the poor. To actually care for those without economic or educational opportunities (that is why Carnegie focused on things like libraries and schools, to help those who aren’t from privileged backgrounds to pull themselves out of their situation. And these are precisely items that I’m sure Walker would say still fall under the Justice category and not charity).
Walker instead speak in vague generalities of moving to justice, and the anecdotal examples he gives never actually provide a framework on how to effect real societal or structural solutions.
It makes me sad that someone like Walker, who manages multi billions in foundational money, argues we need to replace Carnegie’s tired trope and then can’t articulate a vision for philanthropy with any rigor whatsoever. The repeated chides of the wealthy to check their ego and trust others (eg existing institutions) felt like a grab to consolidate more power in existing foundational institutions, and a sign of a philanthropy industrial complex.
Waste of time to read. Read Carnegie’s Gospel of wealth instead and don’t bother with this one.
May 12, 2024
“Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation articulates a bold vision for philanthropy in the 21st century joined by an array of thinkers, activists, and leaders from every field, sector, and walk of life. Drawing inspiration from Andrew Carnegie's original
"The Gospel of Wealth," Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s incisive insights on philanthropy, and writer and critic Anand Giridharadas's probing distinction between generosity and justice, this New Gospel convenes some of the most important voices in philanthropy to ask and offer answers to a vital question: If there's a continuum between generosity and justice, how do we push our work closer to the latter? challenges and emboldens readers to consider philanthropy as a tool for achieving economic, social, and political justice. That task requires humility, moral courage, and an unwavering commitment to democratic values and institutions. It demands that all members of society recognize their privilege and position, address the root causes of social ills, and seek out and listen to those who live amid and experience injustice.
What began in Carnegie's day as a manual for generosity is now reimagined as a guide to move us closer to justice-a guide to help each of us find a way to contribute.”
"The Gospel of Wealth," Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s incisive insights on philanthropy, and writer and critic Anand Giridharadas's probing distinction between generosity and justice, this New Gospel convenes some of the most important voices in philanthropy to ask and offer answers to a vital question: If there's a continuum between generosity and justice, how do we push our work closer to the latter? challenges and emboldens readers to consider philanthropy as a tool for achieving economic, social, and political justice. That task requires humility, moral courage, and an unwavering commitment to democratic values and institutions. It demands that all members of society recognize their privilege and position, address the root causes of social ills, and seek out and listen to those who live amid and experience injustice.
What began in Carnegie's day as a manual for generosity is now reimagined as a guide to move us closer to justice-a guide to help each of us find a way to contribute.”
May 11, 2023
I don't work in the world of philanthropy, but this book applies to everyone who wants to make the world a better place. Although seeing an obvious role for charity that alleviates immediate suffering, hunger, housing, etc. The author makes the excellent point that those with the big bucks (foundations, philanthropic organizations, etc) would best serve the world by looking for the root causes of why that charity is needed in the first place -- and there you will find injustice in so many ways (including in the way these fortunes were amassed in the first place, of course). But the author just takes history as it is and looks toward how to move these philanthropic organizations (and the individuals who lead and work in them) toward seeking justice. This is a HUGE task, but some of the interviews and stories indicate that this movement is not impossible. The different models and examples are fascinating and the list of 7 principles summarized in the Conclusion are definitely relevant to me and every individual person who wants to 'do good'.
November 28, 2023
An update to Andrew Carnegie's "Gospel of Wealth" to address new understanding of how much further philanthropy can advance to address root causes of injustice, center the voices and provide opportunities to those affected by systemic racism and structures of inequality in the US (there are international cases shared as well, but focus is on US philanthropy).
He makes the case for personal engagement in moving towards justice. Interviews key philanthropists.
Some point out the arguments can be repetitive, but mostly bear repeating.
Good for anyone who wants to understand philanthropy's role as a product of systemic inequality and how some are contributing to lasting meaningful change and encouraging more orgs, foundations, corporations, governments and individuals can become activists for justice.
He makes the case for personal engagement in moving towards justice. Interviews key philanthropists.
Some point out the arguments can be repetitive, but mostly bear repeating.
Good for anyone who wants to understand philanthropy's role as a product of systemic inequality and how some are contributing to lasting meaningful change and encouraging more orgs, foundations, corporations, governments and individuals can become activists for justice.
September 1, 2020
Another electronic e-book which I enjoyed, and is original, but not one I actually completed, due to its e-book format. Out of sight out of mind, and I'm afraid Darren Walker's book got forgotten too often to now finish.
It was fresh ideas on philanthropy, but I must admit I got started on another "new philanthropy" e-book, which was a bit more compelling (Moral Manifesto by Jacquline N.), and e-books are rare for me to complete, just don't speak to me.
Darren Walker and the Ford Foundation are pretty fascinating though and I really resonate to the idea of compassion not mercy, and the new approach, er perhaps vision, in relation to philanthropy, as a long range set of actions to have persons receive justice, not just short term pity
It was fresh ideas on philanthropy, but I must admit I got started on another "new philanthropy" e-book, which was a bit more compelling (Moral Manifesto by Jacquline N.), and e-books are rare for me to complete, just don't speak to me.
Darren Walker and the Ford Foundation are pretty fascinating though and I really resonate to the idea of compassion not mercy, and the new approach, er perhaps vision, in relation to philanthropy, as a long range set of actions to have persons receive justice, not just short term pity
October 22, 2020
Did the audiobook version of this. I had watched Darren speak during a webinar and was inspired by his passion and confidence, which led me to this book. The basic hypothesis is that it is not enough to be generous, but to be intentional about where you are directing your charity to ultimately create transformative change and bring about justice. I pretty much got that in the first chapter, and the rest of the book felt a bit repetitive. Some of the interviews were interesting but mostly unmemorable. Probably don't need to read the whole book and would recommend reading a quick summary of the key points.
September 19, 2024
An uncomfortable read, especially for those of us who like to think of ourselves as charitable, but short and clear in its message: being satisfied with mere philanthropy reveals our contentment to treat just the symptoms of injustice. But if we truly care about others’ suffering we will be humble enough to let those already in the trenches helping those in the greatest need show us how to best concentrate our efforts and resources on fighting the injustice that creates suffering. It’s a project without the easy high that comes from “doing charity” but the only way forward if we want suffering others to thrive rather than just survive.
December 24, 2023
Deeply considering the impact of your generosity and how to deliver the greatest help to those in need, let those in need lead the discussion on how to make the world a better place. Well thought out and contextualized narrative about how philanthropy has changed since Andrew Carnegie’s Gospel of Wealth and the ways that the modern donor can better partner with local communities to fund change. This book helped change nuanced ways I think about philanthropy and inspired me to read some works by Langston Hughes.
October 12, 2021
This may seem like a book for career philanthropists (on either side of the field) but I recommend to anyone interested in social justice and systems change. Walker interviews various business, philanthropy, and non profit leaders on the theme of charity (alleviating symptoms) and justice (addressing root causes).
Quick read available for free from the Ford Foundation website.
Quick read available for free from the Ford Foundation website.
April 2, 2023
This book can tap the minds of great people and is a foundation dedicated to bringing philanthropy into this space and time within the world. Pick up this read and learn more of what it means to open your mind and open your heart to what it means to equal in the way that we see what generosity, justice and wealth means nowadays.
January 18, 2020
A great book for all, but especially for those in the nonprofit sector. It emphasizes the importance of examining root causes and the power of proximity. More foundations need to be led by people like Darren Walker.
January 27, 2020
Whether you have $1 or $100 million or 1 hour or 100 hours to give, read this book. It will change how you think about charity, philanthropy and justice, and how we can all play a role in making our world a better place.
February 1, 2020
A good reminder of understanding the privileges you have... whatever they are and to address root causes. It's inspired somewhat by Anand's Winner takes All book. I could be wrong but I think still portray philanthropy as the main saviour... still worth to read.
March 15, 2022
Read this for a conversation at work (which I missed due to... work, lol). This book has some great points, but honestly it didn't feel like I was the intended audience. Obviously that is fine, and would be a great read for any philanthropist.
September 10, 2023
Darren Walker gives you a lot of wisdom through this book about how you can make your good intention become more effective to help people by seek the roots of every problem and make a good effort to it, not just giving your money to waste.
November 13, 2023
Seemed watered down. Written for wealthy donors that the author wanted to begin a conversation with. He talked about root causes of poverty, yet he didn’t take on the root causes of billionaires. An unfair economy, a tax code that benefits inherited wealth and other examples.
December 16, 2024
Reading the final chapter is all that is necessary. It is a great summary of the previous 200-ish pages, which are just redundant of the justice over charity theme. The book has an excellent message..I just found the delivery dry and uninspiring until the final chapter.
Want to read
November 28, 2019Want to read
April 23, 2020
I encourage everyone to put this on your must-read list.
June 13, 2020
Charity treats symptoms, but justice addresses the root causes of those symptoms. Darren Walker, you’ve inspired me!
December 6, 2020
Philanthropy is overdue for a reckoning but this is not it. These are truths but do not go far enough.
November 24, 2023
This is a good book for an individual who is new to philanthropy and racial justice.
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March 22, 2020Darren did an amazing job of connecting the history of philanthropy as a bi-product of capitalist success to philanthropy in modernity as "proof" of capitalism's efficacy. For true transformation to occur, we must start thinking in terms of using philanthropy as a way to transfer power, not just throw money at a problem.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews