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$500 Billion - can this solve the big problems?
A solution to that quandary of how to solve the Big Problems?
Bill and Melinda Gates set up a philanthropic venture/idea called "Give it Away" where more than a hundred billionaires have already pledged half their wealth. They have set up various research and charities to tackle malaria, polio, hunger, etc and these people will also lend their expertise to source further solutions.
An Australian billionaire has just pledged five billion with his families consent. These people are reporting how well they feel after donating, and id like to know if their health improves also as recent research indicates that helping others increases all the good things in our body and decreases things like cholesterol, etc?
this is a very substantial way to seriously address those big problems that other conversations are discussing. Just really wanted to share this good news and welcome your comments and hopefully more postings of Good News!
Please Share how you personally are making our world a better place, or your ideas and congratulations that this is actually happening?
Closing Statement from Kate Blake
Great participation, thanks everyone, and TED for the venue!
The most impressive part of this discussion was some sharing how they help others in order to make our world a better place. This is the best we can do, our own personal contribution in our own localities. What are you doing?
Was quite surprised by the number of people who were doubtful about the ability of more than a hundred billionaires to manage their funds! Wonder how they became billionaires?
Some offered interesting projects with questionable costs, but again I would imagine that this group would have their research, projects and organisation well under control.
It would be great if we could all really rejoice that they are making such a huge effort and contributing so much expertise as well as funds - that this could happen within our life! Well done "Give it Away" and all those involved!
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edward long 100+
Kate Blake 50+
Saying human nature is the cause of our bigger issues seems somewhat self defeating. It gives us an excuse not to deal with the poverty and disharmony we see around us.
I sincerely believe each of us need to get to know oursleves, our minds and emotions a lot better in order to curb our own greed, anger, hostility. Once we improve oursleves a bit more that must surely make it much more harmonious for those around us? Like family, neighbours, colleagues, etc. To me this is the most effective thing we can each do daily in our own lives.
But the fact that excessively wealthy people might find a more effective way to share their wealth, to benefit our world at whatever level - I think we should all be rejoicing that this is happening right now! Of course there are doubts and limits to a 'complete' cure to all our ailments but what a great collaborative start!
edward long 100+