I totally agree with this. A lot of people don't realize how much they are helped by their society because they've never seen how bad it can truly be. Here's an example of I mean (and a worthwhile read to boot): http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50799

You aren't going to be able to develop your skills if there is no society or infrastructure to support that development, if transit is difficult and dangerous, if all money and energy is being siphoned to a few corrupt people at the top. Of course charity isn't the only solution to breaking this cycle, but it certainly helps more than a $1500 laptop.

Thanks for "getting it". Sorry to see you were downvoted.

No one owes anything back to society for existing, much less thriving.

I'm not responsible for anyone's lot in life but my own. I pay taxes which keeps the government going, which keeps each of us from robbing the other. Having already paid to keep order (and for a whole lot of additional stuff that violates my rights), I owe nothing.

Steve Jobs pays a hell of a lot more in taxes than I do.

Given his $1 salary, his effective income is all capital gains, which is taxed at 15%.

In any case, taxes are (in theory at least) paid in return for services provided to you and your country, whereas charity is paid in return only for the feeling you've contributed to a greater good. It's best to not confuse the two.

So I (or anyone else, including Steve Jobs) somehow owe society something just for being born, or just for living? If that's what you mean, I absolutely do not agree.

Not at all. "Charity is not for the sake of others."