What small change can you do to make the world that you live in better?

Answer 1

I am a real fan of your books. I think you contribute a lot to our development. Now into the topic. I think that the best way to contribute to the change of the world is by changing ourselves and, in that form, changing the energy we provide the world with would bring in, what you call, a critical mass that eventually will bring a big world change.

By changing ourselves, we change the energy we add to the general consensus, and in that form, we contribute with some light and wisdom in a world of ignorance and darkness.

I have read in many books and in the net that we don't need to fight the darkness, The way to "fight" it is just by bringing light into it. That is what we have to become , a candle in the darkest night.

Angel
Peru

Answer 2

This is a more difficult question to answer than I thought at first. #1, Deepak, you say it is a small change. #2, it is not to make the world a better place but rather it is to "make the world I live in better". After much reflection, I answer that I can simply smile more! A small change that not only improves my world but just maybe the world of someone else as well...

"Smile" by Charlie Chaplin

Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through
for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile what’s the use of crying
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you’ll just
Smile

©Copyright 1954 by Bourne Co. Copyright R

Answer 3

hmmm, Better relative to what?
Better is such a subjective term. What is good for me may not be good for someone else.

Example Computers were supposed to reduce paper. Not only do we use more paper but it took people's jobs b/c it requires more specialized skill set. Yet they also created jobs b/c a new specialized skill set was created.

In the 1800s White Settler's tried to "...Tame the Savage.." Native Americans. The thought was to make their lives better. However we made things worse for them. These were people who were happy living in tune with nature and living off the land. Not destroying the environment around them.

You see, I realize I do not live in a bubble. When I do something to change "My World" I'm also changing someone else's world. Wether the world is "better" depends on the culture and religion and education of that person.

Every Action has an Opposite and Equal reaction and sometimes it's hard to say exactly what that reaction will be. Wether it's good or bad. So all our actions require much fore thought.

There will always be strife. It's the natural way of things. You eliminate one problem another will rear it's ugly head. Granted I agree that our LIFEstyles are much better than they were 200 years ago but at what cost. (I.e. Global Warming)

See the movie "Idiocracy" although it's a silly comedy it drives a very good point. We can never fully know the complete cause of our actions untill the damage is already done.

There is no right answer to this question since "Better" is such a subjective term. I ask you better for who? Me, just me? Well that's a little selfish dont you think. Everyone? Well to quote Abraham Lincoln "You can make some of the people happy all of the time, you can make all of the people happy some of the time, but you can never make all of the people happy all of the time."

Answer 4

There are so many small changes a person can make in order to make the world a better place. A small changes that I have made already is recycling wherever I go. A small change that I would like to make in the near future is to start a type of piggy bank to put my loose change at the end of the day, and then use that money to give to a charity that will put an end to the use of child soldiers. Some other small changes would be treating others with respect and being open to new things, not being small-minded.

By the way, I absolutely loved your book Buddha. I read it this past summer after studying Buddhism in school and it really opened my eyes to new perspectives.

Answer 5

There are so many small changes a person can make in order to make the world a better place. A small changes that I have made already is recycling wherever I go. A small change that I would like to make in the near future is to start a type of piggy bank to put my loose change at the end of the day, and then use that money to give to a charity that will put an end to the use of child soldiers. Some other small changes would be treating others with respect and being open to new things, not being small-minded.

Answer 6

The world that you live in begin with you,spend some time in intro-inspection,you may find some thing which need to be changed,some of the things may not be in your control,you can still find some things which you can.these could be your habits your qualities your character,behavior ,job performance,your attitude,your health etc .People close to you will certainly notice the changes or the efforts being made by you if not then later when these changes have taken you to higher status.A number of examples are available,where an individual has brought changes.I have read somewhere where a person was advised to preach somebody to correct some habit.He did not respond for next fifteen days and did the preaching only afterwords.when asked why he took such a long time.He stated that he himself was having the same habit and he took time to leave and practice the same when he was confident that he has given up that habit then only he preached and the effect was miraculous.
once you start you will find that a number of people are already doing the same or are trying to do the same.you will soon find help is available

Answer 7

Here are just some things I do.

1) Plant one tree, anyone can do this.It's fun, invite friends to help, make it a party.
2) Even if I'm spent/broke, I give money to someone, they must need it more than me.
3) Lend an ear to anyone who is in despair, any good suggestions I can give I do.
4) Don't argue w/ others religious belief, but try and understand them. I learn too, by listening.It's awesome to learn why people think the way they do, even though I disagree sometimes. But at least I know why now.
5) Avoid temptation of drugs/alcohol. Teach children when they are young that these things will/can ruin your whole life and those around you.
6)Abide by the 10 Commandments. They are a foundation for being a moral person. No matter what religion you are.
7)Stop child abuse, donate money for this cause.
8)Stop being wasteful, "shut the lights off!" is a family motto.
9) Get involved with Community Projects that help those who are handicapped or elderly.
10) Love & Respect all people, places,and this will come back to you. Love yourself!

The World is a wonderful thing and worth fighting for.Start w/ yourself if you haven't already. Pesonal hygiene, anybody can get a free bar if soap @ the YMCA.

Peace!

Answer 8

"Everyone of us is just one of the estimated more than 6.6 billion people living in the world. Sometimes we are thinking and asking, who am I? What is my role in this world? What will I do to contribute, as a citizen of this world?

"I will always have faith with my religion and our Almighty God". I believe that prayer is a most powerful and can help change life's situation.

"I will always be a law abiding citizen".

" I will be more generous and humble".
By sharing to other people what I have whether materials or knowlege.

"I will smile"
Because I believe that smiling to everybody or to somebody is one of the best action and expression that a person can influence and make a difference or can make someone's day.


"I will be helpful and cooperate"

"And above all "discipline"

We are part of this world and world to us. If we raise our expectations and standards we can change the world. We can not only influence the quality of our own life, but the quality of others too,

- by the things we say
- the things we do
- the things we think
- by the values we hold
- and the way we relate to others and the world around us.

We can positively change the world, even if it is in the smallest way. When we come down to basics, we usually find that it is the small things in life that matter the most,

- a smile
- a kind word of encouragement
- a shoulder to cry on
- a common courtesy or act of respect.

Giant leaps for mankind, come from lots of small steps that on our own seem insignificant. Great things come from small things.

Answer 9

If I had power I would do a lot. Power is something that can be used for good or for evil so it's hard to give it all to one person. There's a lot people could do to make the world better. I think something small that would make a major difference would be recycling. I've hounded my family for years about recycling and I wish everyone did. Also writing letter to your congressmen. They have the power to do a lot and it should be easier to recycle and it should be forced more I think. There should be recycling bins in malls and all public places. It would be easier to make the world a better place if more people cared but I honestly don't think they do. There are also a lot of big things people could do but they would need to join together to get it done. Such as petitions for not cutting down trees and all the stuff that has been done because of oil diggers. The one thing I would do if I had the funds would be make card that ran on something we could never run out of and was good for the air like maybe if a car ran on water. when we were done using it we could just filter it or maybe sewer water. It doesn't sound like the most desirable smell but I'm sure there something that could be done. Anyway I wanted to thank you for letting me share my ideas ")

And by the way I LOVE your books they are great and everyone should read them. They helped me to be happy and content! Thank you so much

Answer 10

It is only small things that I can do to initiate change in the world around me: a smile, a word that will make someone stressed laugh, a ride for someone who I saw miss their bus, picking up a piece of litter, actually listening to someone when they speak to me. These are small things. What if, however, it is exactly what that person needed at that moment. What if it encourages them to a positive action that in turn affects someone else. St. Teresa the Little Flower saw the undertaking of small tasks as doing God's work, so if it remains one simple, isolated act then so be it for it was done with love. The Talmud says: "The whole worth of a kind deed is in the love that inspires it." I am sure that the positive intention behind anything anyone does is the true agent-of-change and not the act that encapsulates it. And so everyday I will continue to make these small changes in the person next to me or the sidewalk in front of me or in me when doing even the smallest thing isn't easy. I will do it knowing that the world around me is a better place because of it.

Answer 11

There are so many small changes that each and every person could make that would make the world a better place to live in.

My list below is not in any particular order:

Smile. You could brighten someones day
Lose anger
Practice compassion.
Love because you can
Care for others
Do something nice without expecting anything in return
Be humble
Wait your turn in line (no cutting!)
Volunteer your time to a worthy cause
Give to the homeless person. You never know when you might be in his/her shoes
Lend a helping hand
Be grateful for everything you do have
Don't litter - pack your trash!
Conserve water, energy, fuel, and other natural resources (we're running low!)
Recycle
Don't litter
Laugh often
Show your emotions
Practice honesty and integrity
Don't practice racisim
Share your experiences
Respect your parents
Cherish your children (they're only small for a short period of time)
Love your family
Live each day to the fullest
Have fun
Befriend people
Call, email, send a letter to someone you haven't seen in along time
Visit retirement communities/spend time with elders (it's amazing the stories they can tell you!)
Move through life with goodness in your heart