In a series of posts, our family of 5 will reflect on our reading of The Power of Half, chapter by chapter. For this site, we will give our thoughts about the Salwens' journey – its challenges and lessons – and reflect on how the book’s topics relate to our family’s philanthropic life.
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Chapter 2: You Don't Know Till You Listen
(Mom Luana’s thoughts:)
Reading Chapter Two, one image stuck in my mind. Hannah Salwen sitting in front of a computer screen, watching two videos over and over – one about genocide in Darfur and the other Sarah McLachlan’s “World on Fire” music video. They touched Hannah at some level of fascination, indignation, inspiration. In some deeply human, personal way. Why? Only Hannah has this answer. But my fascination is with that spark of inspiration that ignites one person from another. In this case, the personal example, passion, and work of a fellow high school student, and a piece of music by an artist with a history of advocacy found Hannah’s interest. These experiences primed her for the sight of a homeless man at a stoplight, a catalyst for a chain of events that leads to her family’s re-imagined life. And to a (who-would-have-thought) controversial book.
Years ago, the book and movie “Pay It Forward”, told the story of a sixth-grade boy, Trevor and an ambitious assignment given to his class by their disillusioned yet brilliant teacher. The task: Develop and present a plan for one way to change the world. Taking his call seriously, Trevor devised a plan with exponential community effect: for one person (starting with himself) to do something good for three other people, asking for nothing in return but simply that they then do something good for three others. So on and so on. 1 x 3 = 3 x 3 = 9 x 3 = 27 x 3 = 81. It doesn’t take long to see the vision.
Benjamin Franklin would have delighted in this twist on his advice to “lend it forward” to a young man whom Franklin had given a small loan during a time of financial struggle. Bill Gates read Andrew Carnegie’s “Gospel of Wealth”. He gave the essay to many friends and decided to retire from Microsoft and devote himself full-time to the work of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Investing genius Warren Buffett was so impressed (read: inspired) by the innovative and strategic work of the Gates, that, rather than start his own foundation, he has invested his philanthropic largesse in their hands to leverage more change.
The chain of inspiration continues. Who are the people who inspire your generosity, your compassion, your will for a just society? Who are the people you inspire?
Nine-year-old daughter Abby’s thoughts
Each Act Counts
In The Power of Half, Chapter Two, it talks about how much Hannah liked a music video. I watched it and it is pretty cool. The singer is sitting in a plain room in her house. She starts singing; words pop up and ask, what’s wrong with the picture. Well the only thing wrong with it is that she donated the money that would’ve been spent on the music video director and other things. She gave the money to people all around the world in need.
I think that is really cool that she did that and I think that other people can use their talent to help people. Even if it’s just like volunteering a little bit of time it’ll still make a difference in the world. It’s not like you have to give away all your stuff. I like that Aesop, a Greek writer, said “And no act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.”
((For the first part of this series, see this entry.))
+04.21.2011 - A word from the students at ...
+02.10.2010 - How should we respond?
+02.11.2010 - I love this article
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