You know what I think is really cool? When celebrities become philanthropists or humanitarians. Some may argue that these are only publicity stunts, but I don’t see it that way. If you have all the money in the world to buy whatever you desire, there is a thirst that still cannot be quenched. And the Gatorade for the soul is connection! We all have a desire, no matter how famous or wealthy to connect with other human beings and make a difference. Celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, George Clooney & Leonardo DiCaprio do have an advantage over most people because they have the financial freedom along with media attention to create awareness, thereby impacting positive change and we should not criticize them for doing it. They don’t have to do, but I believe they have a “need” to do it.

Recently, I found this clip of Bono speaking at a Ted talk last year. It was really refreshing to see a rock star without his band or a light show backing him up talk passionately about poverty. His message in this video is that the long slow journey toward equality is speeding up because of information technology and social media. Because information can be shared more easily, the power to the people is increasing and poverty has actually been on the decline over the last 25 years. In 1990, 43% of the population lived in extreme poverty which is living on less than $1.25 per day. In the year 2000, that percentage went down to 33% and in 2010, less than 21% of the population lived in extreme poverty. This suggests that if the trend continues, zero people will be living in extreme poverty by the year 2030.

“That’s the zero zone,” Bono said. “For numbers crunchers like us, that’s the erogenous zone. It’s fair to say I’m sexually aroused by the collating of data.”

I think would be pretty remarkable if we can all do our part to aid this trend. As for the comment on what data does for him, I would rather not picture! Please watch & let me know your thoughts below.

About Charles Perry

Charles is a bit of a renaissance man, a citizen of the planet, a building inspector by trade, devoted father & husband and one of the funniest people he knows. He is deeply passionate about peace, social justice and respect and equality for all living creatures. Charles thought up the World Minded ideology several years ago and has made it his goal to inspire people around the world to care for themselves, others and the planet we share by exposing what’s right in the world. He resides in the Eastern Sierras and loves life in the mountains, but longs for the beach because of some ridiculous “grass is always greener” notion.

• 
•