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About this quote

What does it mean?
Charity should start at home; people must first address inequities within their own families before trying to improve the world.
In plain terms
Fix your own family’s problems before extending charity outward.
What can you take from it?
Ensure personal and familial fairness before external philanthropy.

Where it applies

  • philanthropy planning
  • family counseling
  • community service

Putting it to work

  • audit family finances
  • model ethical behavior at home

Questions to consider

  • Is it possible to help others while struggling at home?
  • How can one balance personal and global responsibilities?

Another view

External aid can still be valuable even if personal issues exist.

More from Begum Inaara Aga Khan

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  3. The most powerful tool to lift families out of extreme poverty is to grant micro-loans to women.

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