One gets flak for optimism. The cool thing about the positive approach, however, its its power. In an eloquent tribute to Norman Borlaug, who died at age 95 this week, Gregg Easterbrook describes the incredible power of Borlaug’s good purpose. The entire article — a Wall Street Journal Opinion piece — is instructive to cynics and good sustenance for optimists. It begins:
Norman Borlaug arguably the greatest American of the 20th century died late Saturday after 95 richly accomplished years. The very personification of human goodness, Borlaug saved more lives than anyone who has ever lived. He was America’s Albert Schweitzer: a brilliant man who forsook privilege and riches in order to help the dispossessed of distant lands. That this great man and benefactor to humanity died little-known in his own country speaks volumes about the superficiality of modern American culture. . . .
Those of us who want to make a difference for the world’s young population now on the brink of starvation for healthy education can be inspired by Norman Borlaug’s persistence — and his huge success in getting done what he saw possible.
