PODG #2

"Philanthropic people lose all sense of humanity. It is their distinguishing characteristic"(Wilde 38).

Humanity has two definitions that seem to contradict each other. The first definition is "the quality or state of being humane". The second is "the quality or state of being human". If using the second definition, what Lord Henry said was completely true. Showing compassion goes against human nature. Human beings are hard-wired to look after themselves and do only that which is in their best interest. Philanthropists devote their lives to helping others out of the goodness of their hearts. So, in a way, philanthropists have forgotten what it is like to be truly human. Lord Henry's words could also be a critique of those who help others without being asked to. People like that are often hated for meddling in affairs that do not concern them. Despite the feelings of others, a philanthropist will continue to help, thus inciting more anger from those who do not approve of their involvement. This may cause the situation to become even worse, as feelings of resentment grow.

"One should sympathize with the color, the beauty, the joy of life. The less said about life's sores the better"(43).

With these words, Lord Henry demonstrates how truly nonchalant he is. Human beings normally experience sympathy when someone close to them is suffering. It fills a person with a feeling of unity with those who are in pain, thus making a person more compassionate towards those in need. Lord Henry ignores this part of sympathy and believes that sympathy should only be experienced by a person when someone close to them is jovial. While it is not detrimental to share in someone's good humor, one should never ignore people who actually need sympathy. Lord Henry's opinion of sympathy could only come from someone of good fortune.