Book excerpt: The idea that a private enterprise has a social function and some obligations to all stakeholders is not something that has always existed. Concepts like sustainable development and shared value appeared only after a long process of trial and error. Understanding the origins of the theory of corporate social responsibility and its evolution will allow us to be ever closer to solving the mystery of what should be the role of private capital in society. It will also help us determine its importance when facing significant challenges due to government absence or weakness over certain territories.