A KIND ACT

Paganini wasn’t known as a big charity case later in life, which is why this Vienna story stands out. He saw a poor boy scraping away on a battered violin to support his sick mother and siblings. Paganini took the instrument, played in his famous style until a crowd formed, then passed the hat himself—adding whatever cash he had in his own pockets. Sometimes the quickest way to help was simply to turn your talent into a fundraiser.