by Joseph Opare

Created on: May 13, 2007   Last Updated: May 17, 2007

From the recorded chronicles of ancient history we can find their heart warming stories popping up in legends all over the world. From St Nicholas to Dr Bernardo, the Philanthropist is a liberal person that gives large portions of their wealth to contribute something positive to the deprived lives within the global community.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt made a journey to the African country of Namibia to have their child Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, who was born May 27 th 2006. After the birth of their child, the couple gave $300,000 to the Namibian government run hospitals to help give better health care to other babies in the poor nation.

There are popular tear jerking shows on TV like "Extreme Makeover Home Edition," dedicated to making the lives of families better through the act of philanthropy.

Christians call it sowing and reaping and Hindus call it the law of Karma. But are many missing out on a universal principle that could literally alter the course of their lives?

One of the laws of physics states "To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." Within the principles of farming, we come to understand that when seeds are planted, there is an eventual harvest.

Some people have limited sowing and reaping to the ability the earth has to produce crops, but the truth of the matter is, even some celebrities and business tycoons have learned the vital and important lesson, that to gain more than just money in life you must learn how to freely give.

These people with a vast reservoir of wealth seem to have connected the enjoyment of life with the joy they bring to other people.

Richard Branson the famous entrepreneur known for the Virgin brand name said the following:

"Ridiculous yachts and private planes and big limousines won't make people enjoy life more, and it sends out terrible messages to the people who work for them. It would be so much better if that money was spent in Africa and it's about getting a balance."

Oprah Winfrey formed the Angel Network as a public charity in 1988. Encouraging people around the world to make a difference is the central theme of this charity.

She quoted to have said:

"I want you to open your hearts and see the world in a different way. You get from the world what you give to the world. I promise this will change your life for the better."

Oprah inspires individuals to create opportunities for underprivileged people so they can rise to their fullest potential. To date, the Angel Network has raised over $27 million, including

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