In The Quest To Make A Difference, 'A Path Appears' by Nicholas Kristof and Cheryl WuDunn

Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
Source: Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

"Everyone wants to "make a difference" but with an overwhelming array of charitable causes and organizations, the question is:how? Journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn set out to find the answer in their new book, A Path Appears."

In a book that features opportunities and inspiration for all aspiring changemakers to make a difference, Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn share the stories of social entrepreneuers and changemakers who are showing the way to a world where every person can be a contributor. The book also contains stories from the Ashoka community including one on social entrepreneur is Kyle Zimmer, Ashoka board member who is the founder of First Book. 

On how they maintain a sense of optimism in the face of daunting global problems

Nicholas Kristof: I spent several decades covering these stories and, over that time, you really do see progress ... especially internationally, vis-à-vis poverty. I mean, when I first traveled around in Africa, for example, I was really struck by the blindness everywhere. River blindness, trachoma, so many middle-age people who were unproductive and could not help. In these days, because of the work of Jimmy Carter on river blindness and trachoma, and so many others, middle-age, young people are not going blind anymore. So it sure feels to me as if there's progress, but we just need to accelerate that.

Sheryl WuDunn: I think it's important to remember, I mean, for centuries, we've had extreme poverty. But now, it is at the point where 20 percent of the world's population is in extreme poverty and, actually, eradication of poverty is within sight.:

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