I’m finding myself busy again nowadays but I wanted to share with you the 2 following videos of Mohammed Yunus, the father of micro-credit finance. Each one is about 10 minutes long. Part 1, here. Part 2 is seriously good, here. Be sure to watch it. He’s one sane, amazing and super inspiring guy. He’ll also be coming down here for a talk which I’ll most probably be attending.
SudaneseThinker
SudaneseThinker
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I like his theories, even if he feeds conspiracy theorists. He’s a good guy.
The cultural implications of his economic attitude are very interesting, too, especially the liberation of women.
Why’d you call him a radical Muslim?
Raccoon, probably because Yunus’ ideas are radical(innovative, against the norm) in nature. And because he’s Muslim.
“radical” does not have to mean “insane”.
I loved the interview, by the way. The world needs more people like Mohammed Yunus, for their innovation and common sense.
I found the whole “capitalist conspiracy” thing hilarious, by the way. At least *this* works, unlike the wonders of Marxism.
A note about eradicating poverty: I don’t think it’ll work.
Some people just can’t handle the responsibility and initiative of being an entrepreneur… or indeed the responsibility of being wealthy. I was astonished to discover that many people actually WANT to be slaves. I guess it’s the desire not to think and not to be in charge.
Other’n that, perfect equality is impossible. People are not born equal in capabilities; some people will always have more than others. Ergo, some will always be poor(er).
You can, however, provide everyone with sufficient nutrition, clothing and housing - should the people want to get these.
There is no such thing as a full solution to anything involving human beings. My own personal view on the matter is to try your very best to make people as self-sufficient economically as possible so they can improve their lives with their own skills, and have a heavily audited welfare program for those you don’t manage to help otherwise.
You can’t kill poverty, but you can do your very best to minimize it.
RK: ““radical” does not have to mean “insane”.”
Good one, only when you say “radical Muslim” it usually does.
Raccoon, we are not dealt the same hand of cards. Thank goodness. But we all have the right to play.
Better watch the clip b4 I start commenting
Awrite, then….. been there done that: What strikes me, is when he starts empowering women, their husbands and the mullahs oppose him.
Is it any wonder, that in countries where ½ the population is not allowed to partake - economically, people are only ½ way there - economically ?
HH, it *is* a wonder as a matter of fact, as Europe advanced quite well while treating women as dumb house ornaments well into the 20th century.
Helping women become financial providers may very well improve matters all around, but it isn’t the main reason for a poverty-stricken country. Nor is it even a major factor in my opinion.
RK: “well into the 20th century.” In the case of DK, in the 60es women left their kitchens in great numbers, and ecomomic growth doubled . We were still short on labour force, so we invited the 1st generation of Turks and Yugoslavs. And the rest is history.
If a woman is educated (even basically) and makes money, she won’t be as likely to churn out more babies than the country can sustain. That in itself helps.
Leave a Comment