How does thoreau feel about philanthropy and why does he choose not to participate in it?

In response to his townsmen who have criticized his solitary way of life for excluding philanthropy, Thoreau says he cannot forsake his calling to do "good" for society even if it meant he could save the universe from annihilation and says that he is suspicious of those who attempt to do "good" for him, for it is unnatural and often hypocritical. As for the poor, he believes their problem is not necessarily a lack of possessions ­ since he has shown he can live without them ­ but a lack of "taste," in deciding how to spend the money they have.