Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Can we change the world - one cup of tea at a time
At the heart of Three Cups of Tea is a powerful but simple message: we each, as individuals, have the power to change the world, one cup of tea at a time. Yet the book powerfully dramatizes the obstacles in the way of this philosophy: bloody wars waged by huge armies, prejudice, religious extremism, cultural barriers. What do you think of the "one cup of tea at a time" philosophy?
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2 comments:
I'm afraid I haven't read the book yet but I got to hear Greg Mortenson speak and he is a walking advertisement for the philosophy in the book. He comes across as a very nice, extremely sincere, "regular" guy who fell into a situation that made him want to do something and he just started making it happen. He makes you feel that if he can start from nothing and build up so much, then anyone can make a difference. All of his accomplishments came from taking very small steps, many of which he got pushed back down and had to climb again, but here he is with an international movement gaining momentum.
Along with the lesson that individuals can make a difference at all, there are also lessons about the advantages of approaching things on an individual level. For instance, as an individual trying to help, Mortenson was able to learn from his mistakes. Large, distant organizations, even if they mean well, can often trample on cultural sensitivities such that little good results in spite of good intentions. Start by sharing a cup of tea and you may still make mistakes but you have a much better chance to recognize them and learn from them.
Another poignant and important point that came out of his talk: Would you rather have people in other countries associate Americans with wars and soldiers or with schools and caring individuals tying to help make life better?
Greg Mortenson got to know the people and know the situation before assuming he could improve a people's condition.
Three Cups of Tea is a metaphor for relationship building necessary to enact change. In the book, one cup of tea is hospitality and charity - people coming to the table to talk, a second cup of tea is an opportunity to start a discussion of ideas, the third cup of tea offered to a person is a symbol of strong acceptance - almost of attaining a family relationship.
The book recounts how building relationships allows him to build schools with the blessings and assistance of the local population. Because of his relationships, he is able to move through what is perceived as very hostile areas of Pakistan building schools at staggering speeds(at one point 10 in a summer), far faster than the government itself.
The book challenges Western thinking believing it knows what is best for the very diverse regions in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It was Western doctrine that divided the area into two distinct countries that share myriads of cultures. It offers up a solution of communication, tolerance, and most importantly education. It promotes the idea of helping someone to help them help themselves. Take the time to get to know what someone needs rather than assume what they need.
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