Payton Papers - Thoughts From the Fellows

About Robert L. Payton

To separate Robert L. Payton the man from Robert L. Payton the teacher or Robert L. Payton the writer is virtually impossible. His fascination with philanthropy permeates every aspect of his life. Similarly, Payton’s writings offer a window into his life. As a result, one of the best ways to find out about Robert L. Payton is to read his work, so often written from an intimate perspective.

Below is a special selection of essays which are particularly revealing of Payton’s life growing up, his family, and the personal experiences that have shaped his worldview. As PaytonPapers.org continues to grow, so too will the collection of essays that offer special insight about Robert L. Payton.

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Curriculum Vitae:

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Personal Information

Ethics and Morals (2000)
Payton makes the careful distinction between morality, a certain kind of behavior; and ethics, a way of thinking about that behavior. Payton recounts growing up in the Mid-West and his encounters with racism. Thinking about this behavior led him to an understanding of civil rights, before any such movement was established. The progression from morality to ethics is also evident in philanthropy; “we give first because we’re taught to do so.” Payton views philanthropy as "the principle means by which our ethics and values shape the society in which we live," and therefore worthy of considerable thought..
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Letter to Friends (1992)
A letter written to friends of the Payton family on the occasion of the death of Joseph Payton, Robert and Pauline's oldest son. The letter recounts Joe's life of service and commitment to Africa where he worked in emergency relief. The personal account shares lessons learned from the loss of two children (son Matthew as well as Joseph) and their dedication to service in the lives they lived. It is for these two that the Joseph and Matthew Philanthropic Studies Library is named at Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis is named..
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