A crash course in changing the world.
I lived in a foreign country alone for over two years in which i barely learned the language and for 6 months lived without electricity and very little money. This factor was not due to the country but my own financial situation. My neighbors and acquaintances in the area found it somewhat shocking whenever i revealed this fact, explaining my inability to perform a simple task or assist in some usually innocuous way. Their assumption was that i would have electricity and at least enough money to spare for a beer or takeout, though I simply did not.
From their perspective, i was a normal chap who wrote (on paper at the time) and was a little stingy. It wasnt until they realized the full extent and consequences of my situation that they could appreciate the increased difficulty of simple yet essential tasks. Washing clothes, storing and cooking food.
This experience allowed me a little glimpse of the other side of life. Even as it was, my situation was not too difficult, my biggest obstacle being psychological and social isolation. For most, the lack of simple amenities is not only a practical life and death issue but a social, cultural matter of survival.
I have made it a personal practice to observe and consider other peoples perspectives. To get this perspective, you not only have to know what they see but also how they see, where they have been and see themselves going. It is that context and perspective to which you must introduce positive, unusual directions and solutions in order not to alienate or potentially estrange people from your cause.
Given this perspective, allowing people to utilize these proffered tools and solutions without feeling dependent on others or affecting their pride, they might not just surprise themselves but make the greatest contribution to a community they possibly could. Inspire those around them.
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