The line between comfort and greed

"If you want to know what you value, look at your checkbook register." - that's a timeless old saw.

You could also look at your date book or your voting history. Elections provide an opportunity to express one's values and an OpEd by Roland Merullo in the Feb 22 Boston Globe, "The line between comfort and greed" reminded me of one of the most profound reflections I've ever heard on a donor visit.

I make my living at UW listening to wealthy people and trying to find connections between their philanthropic inclinations to our work. A 60-something venture capitalist reflecting on his wealth told me, "I know I won the sperm lottery...I know I don't work any harder than the man who cleans my building. I had a different father and mine was able to provide me with a different education than my janitor was able to get."

I'll never forget that revelation. I am inspired by that donor's honesty and self-awareness. I hope that I am that aware of my own privilege and that I'll keep that in mind when I vote.