Everyone should listen to this TED talk and learn from this humble, gentle now 19 year old about how the most simple basic thing that we all take for granted-electrical power, can bring such joy. We live in such a fast paced world where everyone wants the latest gadget, technology, or wants things instantly. We all forget that there is a whole world out there that doesn't even have the basics such as a simple light bulb, running water, or the luxury of hearing a radio much less downloading their latest ITunes or movies.
William was simply a 14 year old who wanted to provide power to his mud hut for his family. He comes from a small village in Tanzania. He decided to read a book called "Using Energy", and from there he built a windmill using a bicycle frame, pulley, plastic pipe, and wooden poles.He basically used scraps that he found. It provided enough wattage for 4 light bulbs and a radio. When questioned about the windmill, he replied simply " I tried, and I made it."
How many other average 14 year olds would even think about taking on this project? In our society,they are all too busy text messaging, playing their latest video games, or worrying about their MySpace.The idea of not even having power probably never even crosses their minds. It is a given. I think our society today is too wrapped up in themselves. This boy now wants to build a bigger windmill that will pump water and irrigate crops for his entire village.His focus is on "What can I do for others?" Only by watching the TED video can you see the joy on his face in having been able to build this first windmill,and you can tell that he realizes what the second windmill could mean to the life of the village. Our modern world here could do well to learn lessons from this young man. It is not always about having the latest and wanting more.Sometimes, we need to stop, and be grateful for all that we do have and maybe start focusing more on how to help those who are just looking for the basics. There should not be such disparity in the world.
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3 comments:
William was very smart. Teens are very involved with different things and activities and don't even think about power. Power is just a given to us like you said. If teens did things like William the world would be a better place. But teens these days are very selfish and don't think about helping out others like William did. If teens just tried to build something for good use I think this world would be much different
Thank you for the advice. I will try to look for the deeper meaning in the TED talks. I think you interpreted the TED talk very well. You are definitely right about teens and how they use their cell phones. It would be so much better if we could go out and things like Kamkwamba did. I also agree with Tallie's comment that if teens could just stop and think about helping others, it would make this world a much better place. Teens are very self-centered sometimes and it would be much better if we could just think about the people who are in need of our help.
I agree with tallie. William was very smart. He was easily inspired through a library book, to build his family a windmill. Not too many 14 year old can do that. And to think that he did it on his own with not very much equipment to help him. He inspired me!
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