It has been troubling me what constitutes making a contribution to society. Is it going to work? Is it making art? Is it being a helpful neighbor? Since I’m benefiting from a working society, I sure would want to secure that it keeps thriving, possibly even help elevating it to the next level.

Paying Taxes

In germany an average of 50% of the earned money goes to the state. I would count this as a substantial contribution.

Even though with the slow destabilization of the german economy, as the state struggles more and more to support the ones in need appropriately, a minimum of baseline support is still there.

Tax money goes in 40% towards social causes, which are mostly old-age pensions or unemployment support. 12% goes to the military, 8% to transport. Another 5% to pay back state loans, 5% for education, 4% for police, appartments and public sport places. In lower rates also family, health and adminstration are supported.

Salary and Profession

Working in IT, it is often hard for me to experience my contribution to society. When I’m working on a technically solid solution, implementing backups, adding a disaster recovery plan - these are things which can take a substantial amount of time, which can feel far away from the rest of society.

While it is much better payed than say the local baker around the corner, I’d imagine the worker there feels much more connected to locals, knows the regulars, maybe shares a story.

Logically, the larger the contribution to society, the bigger should be the reward. The reward could be money, respect, or simply a deep satisfaction.

Or maybe somebody could contribute to society without even caring, or to a far bigger extent than he could have imagined. Many of the great artists come to mind, who only became popular and widely known after their death.

Starting an activity with the main goal to contribute to society may be a little far fedged. Using the own genious, talents & strenghts to their utmost potential should result in the best chance to make the biggest possible contribution.

Donating

Donating to just causes feels good for me. At least after a certain level of income I feel a certain obligation to do my little part for the less fortunate.

Even though this part can feel diminishing, and probably is like a single drop on a hot stone, I dont want to live in a world where nobody donates. I image in to be a much harsher place.

Rounding Up

Looking at the broader topic of money I considered the different areas of profession, salary, taxes and donations. However money is only one dimension. In the following blog posts I’ll take a look at more possible areas of contribution.