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...without “even the coin of thanks.”

I think this is exactly the problem today. Philanthropic societies were created by those "with' to help those without. It was understood that there was a benefactor-beneficiary relationship. If you found yourself without - in deep need - you went with your hat in your hand - a humbling event - and requested aid.

I think this attitude was best portrayed in the movie "Cinderella Man" where the lead - with nowhere else to turn - finally went to get "relief". Now granted it was govt. relief, but his attitude was one of humility - not expectation.

Today the attitude is exactly reversed. There seems to be a righteous expectation of the handout. Instead of humbly going down for relief, we now hear only complaints when "my check" is late.

I think a return to more localized charity is the only solution to our broken system. The abolition of income tax and the welfare state would create a booming business environment. The resulting wealth would then be available to help those truly in need - at the local level. With the end of the welfare state, local charity would then manage/evaluate true need - on an individual basis - for those who humbly submit to the scrutiny of the benefactor.

Today the attitude is exactly reversed. There seems to be a righteous expectation of the handout. Instead of humbly going down for relief, we now hear only complaints when "my check" is late.

The attitude of society toward the giver has deteriorated as well. Take away the voluntary aspect and today they're viewed anywhere from a communistic "you have more, therefore you can afford it", to a more antagonistic attitude where the possession of wealth is evidence that it was taken illegitimately from the Jerry Springer devotees.

Someone was lauding FDR [spit] the other day that he was motivated to make the US communist (my hyperbole, not his) because he saw the indignity of poor houses. Moron. It was supposed to be humiliating! That way if you were able you wouldn't go there.