I spent most of Thursday night reading Greg Mortenson’s journey in “Three Cups of Tea”. I often write of charity and the need for social change and open access to education. Mr. Mortenson has lived in a manner that we should all aspire to. He has managed to bridge cultural gaps and helped to educate hundreds, if not thousands, of children. With the assistance of locals who understood and valued his vision he has helped bring literacy and change to remote villages.

I like to think I have a positive (albeit) impact on the world around me. Perhaps that is just the insulating aspects of ego. Mr. Mortenson is proof of the maxim that one man can make a difference. Certainly he has had help along the way. Financial and emotional support has been provided. Without his vision and dedication to a promise made in his past the support would never have been solicitated.

Our society throws the word hero around so frequently that its meaning has become diluted. That’s not to say that some who has been given the title don’t deserve it. Certainly many have done little or anything to earn it. Celebrity worship has become the norm in many western countries.

Greg Mortenson’s schools prove that actions speak far louder than words and that we need to look further outside ourselves to discover how I make positive impacts on the world around us.

Read “Three Cups of Tea”. I can’t imagine how one could not be inspired to try and become a better person. I suspect we will all be inspired to become better people living up to Greg’s example.

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