A question was asked of me by T.J. Rodgers, CEO, of Cypress Semiconductors when I invited him to speak at the University. This is the question: who has done more to improve and develop people's lives - Bill Gates or Mother Teresa? The question is not who is the better person, but who has developed people more through jobs creation which allows people to have an income base which in turn builds and expands their local schools, hospitals, flower shops, restaurants, etc. and communities? Teaching people to fish rather than providing fish.
I suppose this is a question of Social entrepreneurship (btw, this is not my idea and is not new) which is roughly: First we start with fact that people need to have a social conscience and fight for justice in their communities. The next step is to influence their life, most especially their work life, with ideas of justice/equality/fairness/respect for others/environment/sustainable development. Once their work is so structured, they need to grow their business and local communities with these ideals. That in sum is just sustainable development. It can be applied in any area, and becomes an asset to everyone. On the other hand, charity flows from altruism. But charity is one-way. It also does not create a base large enough to grow and provide more charity. It is not developing the self, but making the self dependent on others. It makes the giver feel good, but the receiver beholden. In that sense, it does not develop. I suppose we will always have a need and room for charity in this world. Is sustainable development the answer to Goa's challenges or are all the hand-out schemes the answer? Something to think about in between the dance breaks and picnics on GOA DAY. George __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
