Watching this man asking for donations is a good lesson for each person to be more observant.  When I see someone in this state, I always wonder is he just collecting free money or is this for real.  The public has been duped so many times by people on the street so that when the real thing comes along we have our doubts and just pass them by.  The moral to this story is the words that are used to ask for help.

Begging or panhandling is the practice of imploring others to grant a favor, often a gift of money, with little or no expectations of reciprocation.  Beggars may be found in public places such as transport routes, urban parks and near busy markets or  intersections.  Besides money, they may also ask for food, drink, cigarettes, or other small items.

According to studies,  beggars have stated that they would prefer a minimum-wage job, typically citing a desire for a steady income or getting off the street.  However, many felt they could not handle conventional jobs because of mental illness, physical disability or just lack of skills.

Beggars have existed in human society since before the dawn of recorded history.  Begging has happened in most societies around the world, though its prevalence and exact form vary.

Ancient Greeks distinguished between the Ptochos (passive poor or the beggars) and the Penes (active poor) with the latter being accorded a higher social status.  The New Testament contains several references to Jesus’ status as the savior of the Ptochos, usually translated as “the poor,” considered the most wretched portion of society.

But, in the end, we are all humans – just trying to make our way through life!

kommonsentsjane