The World on the Outside

The following is an excerpt from Muhammad Yunu s’ book, “A Banker to the Poor.” Yunus, living in Bangladesh at the time, founded Grameen Bank. Grameen Bank is a community development bank that makes loans to the impoverished without requiring collateral.

“I used to feel the thrill at teaching my students the elegant economic theories that could supposedly cure societal problems of all types. But in 1974, I started to dread my own lectures. What good were all my complex theories when people were dying of starvation on the sidewalks and porches across from my lecture hall? My lessons were like the American movies where the good guys always win. But when I emerged from the comfort of the classroom, I was faced with reality of the city streets. Here good guys were mercilessly beaten and trampled. Daily life was getting worse, and the poor were growing even poorer.”

Muhammad Yunus and his organization won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. This organization has helped thousands of rural poor individuals and families, and it all started with Yunus’ awakening in the 70s. As he put his extensive education to use within the University classrooms of Bangladesh, he was tormented by the fact that the world on the outside suffered.

I find it so easy to become caught up in the routine of my own life and forget about the millions of people who are underprivileged and living in poverty. My blessings provide me with the opportunity to give back and help those in need. Because when I really think about the world on the outside… I am forced to open my eyes to reality. I believe that when we really face reality, we are able to see the world’s need for our helping hand.