I would like to put forth a suggestion for solving a number of the world’s greatest humanitarian problems. It is neither novel nor complex – however, if implemented, it would without question save millions of lives, increase the world’s collective wealth, and eliminate a tremendous amount of unnecessary suffering.
The idea is based on a honorable action that is encouraged by most of the world’s inhabitants regardless of religion, creed, race, or income – personal generosity. I would like to briefly make a case for the importance of practicing this virtue. If we American’s fully embraced it, we could eliminate several of the world’s most debilitating solvable problems while also improving our own state.
How is that possible? To illustrate I have selected three pressing worldwide problems and one American issue. Take a look at these figures:
WORLD PROBLEMS:
- Cost to provide clean drinking water to the approximately one billion people in the world who lack it — Solution $30 billion annually
- Cost to eradicate polio forever — Solution $1.5 billion
- Cost to eradicate malaria — Solution $1 billion annually for ten years
- Cost to provide health care coverage for all uninsured Americans — Solution $123 billion annually
TOTAL: $154 billion annually plus a one-time cost of $1.5 billion to eradicate polio.
It should be noted that in addition to saving lives solving many of these problems makes clear economic sense. The same report that described the need for clean drinking water worldwide also said that not addressing the problem will “…cost roughly nine times more than resolving it.” Additionally, malaria costs Africa’s economy $12 billion a year in lost production.
To put these numbers into proper perspective, despite last years economic hard times American’s made slightly over 14 trillion dollars in gross income. Of course the idea of generosity means different things to different people. But for the sake of argument let’s use the standard put forth by Christian and Jewish tradition that suggests individuals should give a tithe of a tenth of their income.
If every American gave 10 percent of their gross income they would donate $1.4 trillion dollars to charitable and religious causes each year, of which only roughly 11 percent would be needed to solve all the above problems! Even if the incomes and giving of those living below the poverty line who could not contribute lest they jeopardize their own or families well-being are subtracted, the number changes relatively little.
Many great organizations are working to eliminate these debilitating issues. If you would like to partner with one of them a simple Google search will bring up a number to choose from.
Specifically, if you would like to help bring clean water to those in Kenya I would highly recommend collaborating with the 410 Bridge, a non-profit Brandi and I proudly support.
BIO:
Paul Hoyt is an emerging writer presenting a fresh and unique perspective on topics relating to business, ethics, and the logic of life. He is the founder and President of a successful luxury watch company and previously served as an executive for a training and consulting group. His writing is defined by its intelligence, thoughtfulness, authenticity, and common sense.
Paul is a member of Mensa International and The Cerebrals Society, an international fellowship for those whose cognitive abilities have been assessed at or above 141 on professional psychometric scales, which is roughly 0.3% of people. He is insatiably curious and, besides his business and writing interests, has recently become an avid off-road motorcyclist. Paul currently resides outside of Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Brandi and their dog Audemars Piguet.
Tags: humanitarian