Tag: fiction

When we think about the worst problems this world faces, what comes to mind? Climate change? War? Poverty? Racism? Greed?

When I look at that list, I can’t pick one that deserves more attention than any of the others, but only one word comes to mind that could solve all of them.

Education.

Imagine a world where everyone can read and write. Where everyone learns how to think critically. Not only would people have a better chance to work in jobs that could support them financially, but they’d have a better chance of telling fact from fiction — truth from lies or wishful thinking.

While that doesn’t mean everyone would agree on every issue, it would help us understand that our differences enrich our societies and our world. It would make it easier to accept and respect each other knowing that everyone of us has the right to a productive, satisfying life.

“I’m in! Sign me up. What can I do to help us get there?”

You, already knowing how to read and write.

There are probably a thousand things you could do at home, locally, nationally, or globally that would help, and maybe you’re already doing some of them. Reading to young children. Tutoring students who need a boost. Writing articles about social justice. Being an activist for changes that improve people’s lives.

Here’s a small thing you can do: Please support my dear friend Curtis Bausse in his challenge to memorize a Shakespearean sonnet a day, and recite each one while standing on one foot. No kidding. Rest assured, no one is asking you to do the same, but Curtis committed to doing this for 154 days in a row because that’s how many sonnets William wrote. Day 154 is August 15th. As proof, Curtis made videos: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisbausse/videos. You may decide for yourself whether these are evidence of madness. I, however, am proud to contribute to his cause.

The Cause:

In much of the world, education is only an unaffordable dream. The Little Sapphires School in the sapphire mining village of Ambondromifehy, Madagascar, needs funds to build a classroom. In a brief text that is well worth reading, Curtis describes this in a bit more detail. It also includes his evidence that this project is on the up and up.

Or, if you’re willing to take my word for it, you can go directly to his GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/5e64ba0b

But either way, Curtis, the Little Sapphires School, and I thank you sincerely!