“Hope is like a path in the countryside. Originally, there was nothing – but as people walk this way again and again, a path appears.” – Lu Xun
Hello Friends,
On Thursday evening, I had the opportunity to hear Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn discuss their newest book, A Path Appears, at ABC Carpet & Home in the Flatiron District. The atmosphere was very Zen with calligraphic meditation artwork lining the walls and interesting sculptures scattered throughout the room. The event was well-attended, littered with people mulling around, drinking wine, and enjoying the general splendor.
A member of the ABC staff introduced the husband and wife team who have both won the Pulitzer Prize, co-authored four best-selling novels, and developed various films together. The aim of the night was to ignite a desire to serve and a heart for change.
In Nicholas Kristof’s remarks, he challenged the audience to rethink how they measure inequality. He claimed that inequality ought to be measure in opportunity, not money. There is always a measure of personal irresponsibility when looking at inequality, but Kristof challenged the community to do their part in recognizing areas where inequality of opportunity existed.
He firmly believes that education is the way to eradicate poverty. In developing countries, most people would assume that building a new school would be the most cost-effective way to create an opportunity for kids to get an education. Kristof posits that deworming is the most cost-effective way to get a child from the developing world into school. Again, he did not highlight any sort of monetary equality for kids in the developing world, but advocated for a more equal opportunity for those kids to attend.
“Need” is a theoretical issue among the affluent in America. Kristof challenged those in the room to offer helping hands instead of pointing fingers.
The conversation was handed off to Sheryl WuDunn who began by challenging the audience not to be overwhelmed by the vast brokenness of the world, but to focus on transforming one person’s life. Upon discovering a huge problem, people often write a check rather than help their neighbor. WuDunn begged the audience to recognize their sphere of influence. Change comes about by helping one person at a time.
I was very encouraged by the couples promotion of “for profit” companies. Markets lift standards of living. “For profit” companies also have the ability to be socially driven and can partner with other “for profit” endeavors to create real change in a community.
There is a three-part PBS documentary covering the issues discussed in A Path Appears. The episodes can be viewed on the PBS Independent Lens website until February 14th.
I hope your experience with Kristof and WuDunn’s work challenges you to find ways in your vocation to help those facing an inequality of opportunity in your community. WuDunn’s parting words were, “If you open your heart and you open your mind, you can transform lives.”
Live, Love, Learn,
Candice & The Write Teacher(s)