Giving Back

I just read Bill Gates' speech at Harvard, when he has been given an honorary degree. I have a lot of respect for the man, no matter what others say. The amount of charitable work he does, the dedication and resources he brings to it definitely is making a difference.
I remember reading once about the fact that previously Gates donates 1/3 of his total income to charitable causes. Granted, he earns bijillions a year, but 30% is a lot in anybody's earnings.

The speech was very inspiring, with two points that stood out. The "from those that much is given, much is expected", and the challenge to focus on one complex problem in the world.

We live in a privileged world, and it's very easy to get caught up in the material lifestyle and saving up for the next big thing to add to the house (42 inch LCD, here I come!). I do tell myself this from time to time, that we have to make the effort to give back, to contribute, to make the world a better place.

In most cases, the usual way to give back is through material means. But the challenge that Gates gives is this: you are not just privileged economically, but mentally, creatively and socially. So put those other facets into use by concentrating on one problem in the world and becoming a specialist in it, and try to solve that problem. Use all the abilities you have, and see how far it takes you.

I'm going to use my Vietnam trip to do some thinking. I hope you do too.