Some people are simply born to fit in the larger community. Others, tired of being an outcast, eventually learn to do so. Some others, never give a rat's ass about what others think. Still others, discover the rules of the larger community are not necessarily the ones they like and go off on their own.
Even wise teachers advise against judging people. But where is the line between non-judgement and making a clear point? We know it is a fairly large gray area. But it still should have some definitions.
We're all ok with being good, but within the accepted confines of society. Even philanthropy and altruism in itself. Donating money, running marathons for fundraising, all seem ok.
When you start getting really involved in particular charities, you step closer to the fringe. Your motives are questioned. She needs to get her kids in kindergarten and the school board is affiliated with that charity. He's going to be a politician so he needs to start building his community work credentials.
If you actually work for a non-profit, you become part of the saving-the-world-good-hearted but incompetent crowd. He couldn't cut it in the corporate world, he's past his prime, so it's his fallback. She's still recovering from her divorce so it's her way to heal herself.
Some people care about this. Some don't. For some, it is less the fear of failure. It's the fear of going to a different place. A different crowd, possibly losing all your friends from before. A different identity, where personal and financial success will no longer be sufficient benchmarks to judge yourself. Instead, at the end of the day, you have only yourself to rely on to see whether you are right or wrong, if you have done well or not.
