1. Aid

Summary

Seek to help others, especially those in need, regardless of whether you like them or expect recompense.

Actions

• Donate to charities, local or otherwise. There are many variables here, so it’s hard to give specific advice. Just be wary of grifts. To reduce this risk, choose local charities that you can physically visit and talk to members or recipients of care to see how effective they are. Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity are places you can give items that might still be of use to others. Do not donate to the Salvation Army; it has a history of abusive conduct.
• Find a local mutual aid group. You can donate time, money, or goods (supplies and food). Doing so will directly help those most vulnerable, who in turn will have a greater chance of improving their circumstances, and eventually becoming part of the productive community.
• Join a local Buy Nothing group. You can use this to give away your extra items directly to those who need them, ensuring that your community remains at its best.

Principles

Despite what entrepreneurs may claim, no single human being has ever achieved very much on their own. While charismatic leaders often gain attention for spurring change, they are each the tip of an iceberg, one of many individuals working together for a common goal. Within communities, societies, ideologies, religions, nations, and companies, the fact is the same: success is only possible through teamwork.

In order for a group of high ideals or large numbers to hold together, there must be tolerance for smaller differences. Differences of origin, creed, or ideology must be accepted for the greater good. Moreover, in order for a society to maintain its integrity, its members must care for each other out of general principle, not transactional expectation.

When you help another, you put them in a better place. You help them to trust others and in turn be better able to give of their own resources later. Even if you don’t directly benefit, a charitable attitude increases the amount of goodwill in your environment, increasing the odds that you will in turn receive help when you need it.