Great article by Nicholas D. Kristof who co-authored Half the Sky -wonderful book about women, self-empowerment and courage in the global humanity. As Kristoff smartly states that him and his co-author wrote the book and developed a website to publicize, inform and change public opinions on the state of women in the world, instead of forming a foundation. In the end, it appears this gesture is somewhat less egocentric.
In this age of non-profits, charitable organizations, aid development agencies and religious institutions all involved in the business of saving the world from itself, does the individual have any real impact on making changes? Unfortunately, poor Mortensen, got caught up in his own ego.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/opinion/21kristof.html
It's a shame when 'heroes' fall from grace, but worst when people keep believing that their money can fix problems thousands of miles away - smacks of colonialist benevolence - the only change is investing time, energy and consciousness - make the changes in your own life that matter first, then make an impact where you can.
Development and aid in other lands other than your own seems never to be in the long range plan as altruistic as a hero hopes.
It's a lost art of doing something good without recognition - we all are an example to each other, whether we choose to be or not, and it seems competitively so.
Be kind because you want to, not because there will be a reward, recognition or kudos somewhere down the line.
Forget about getting into heaven - it's full anyways and one occassional kindness doesn't give you entrance.
Who knows if what you consider a kindness is valid and truthful in the grand scheme of things anyways.
the bumper sticker works for me *Random acts of kindness* whenever, wherever, for whomever...
In this age of non-profits, charitable organizations, aid development agencies and religious institutions all involved in the business of saving the world from itself, does the individual have any real impact on making changes? Unfortunately, poor Mortensen, got caught up in his own ego.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/opinion/21kristof.html
It's a shame when 'heroes' fall from grace, but worst when people keep believing that their money can fix problems thousands of miles away - smacks of colonialist benevolence - the only change is investing time, energy and consciousness - make the changes in your own life that matter first, then make an impact where you can.
Development and aid in other lands other than your own seems never to be in the long range plan as altruistic as a hero hopes.
It's a lost art of doing something good without recognition - we all are an example to each other, whether we choose to be or not, and it seems competitively so.
Be kind because you want to, not because there will be a reward, recognition or kudos somewhere down the line.
Forget about getting into heaven - it's full anyways and one occassional kindness doesn't give you entrance.
Who knows if what you consider a kindness is valid and truthful in the grand scheme of things anyways.
the bumper sticker works for me *Random acts of kindness* whenever, wherever, for whomever...
