The Soul of Man Under Socialism

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"The Soul of Man Under Socialism" is an 1891 essay by Oscar Wilde in which he expounds a libertarian socialist worldview and a critique of charity. The writing of "The Soul of Man" followed Wilde's conversion to anarchist philosophy, following his reading of the works of Peter Kropotkin.

"The Soul of Man Under Socialism." First publication in Fortnightly Review February 1891, p. 292

1895 book edition under the truncated title The Soul of Man, "privately printed" in 50 copies at Chiswick Press, 30 May 1895, five days after Wilde's conviction for gross indecency.

Charity (practice)

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Charity is the voluntary provision of assistance to those in need. It serves as a humanitarian act, and is unmotivated by self-interest. Various philosophies about charity exist, with frequent associations with religion.

Illustration of charity, c. 1884

A Hindu woman giving alms (painting by Raja Ravi Varma)

Sandstone vestige of a Jewish gravestone depicting a Tzedakah box (pushke). Jewish cemetery in Otwock (Karczew-Anielin), Poland.