Why Do Charity Work? Everywhere we look, we see people with different physical attributes, mental capabilities, and wealth. It is often easy to attribute a lot of one's own success to one's effort. But the reality is that success requires numerous factors, many of which are out of our control. For example: how our parents raised us, the education we received, influential people we met, the physical and mental capabilities we were born with, and so on. The enormous variation in fortune is a logical reason for those who have more to help those who have less. This does not mean giving time or money in a foolish and unsustainable way, just for sake of giving. Intelligent charity work can level the playing field enough to give less fortunate people the opportunity to shine, if they are willing to put in the necessary effort. There is no doubt that preparation through determination and effort allows you to take advantage of more opportunities that come your way. But if you don't have access to clean water, for example, you will need to expend a great deal of energy just to stay alive. When some people see the adversity others are experiencing, they can feel overwhelmed and helpless. Others react with outrage and determination to help. If you've ever felt overwhelmed or helpless by someone else's misfortune, take a moment to put yourself in their shoes. That compassion drives many people to help because they probably would not want to suffer in the same way. The reality is that many of us have the potential -- intelligence, time, and financial capability -- to be highly influential in whatever scope we choose, whether it is a small local effort or a large global cause. In the same way that we need people doing all kinds of different jobs in the world, there are varied roles for everyone in the world of charitable work. While some people determine goals and strategy for their nonprofits, others will be delivering medical supplies, feeding the hungry, or teaching children. No one can solve the world's problems alone -- instead, we must work with others, and each find our own place, balancing our personal lives, career goals, and giving work. The most important thing is to help in some way when possible, rather than to be indecisively idle while trying to find the perfect time and place to start. Performing charity work also has many natural benefits: a deep sense of satisfaction and usefulness, the development of teamwork, and increased empathy. These benefits help with all interactions, whether personal or professional. And naturally, surrounding yourself with people who recognize this can potentially increase the quality of your own life. Among the myriad brilliant things Mahatma Gandhi said was "Be the change you want to see in the world." We can help to create profound change, and we also have the potential to inspire those around us. Many people are right on the cusp of helping, but simply have not found the time to identify a good cause that matches their interest and skills. So if you know someone who might share your passion for a particular cause, invite them to join you, and change the world together.