Od filantropii do aktywności wolontaryjnej

The article addresses the problems of charitable activity in a broad sense of the term - ranging from philanthropy to voluntary work. The author’s attempt is to prove that all pro-social activity has its roots in mercy. Mercy is understood here not so much as grace to forgive and definitely not as pity or even act of sympathy but as a form of commiseration and/or an inner desire and need to help other people. As such mercy can be experienced by everyone. The article also focuses on the psychological, social and cultural conditions valid for the chantable actions