Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.
-Margaret Mead
Every now and again we are struck by a quote or passage from a book that really resonates with us, that feels like it was written exactly for us. In a time where we feel powerless to affect change, we are reminded that through passion and perseverance, we can change the world.
Sir Richard Branson’s book, Screw Business as Usual, highlights this point; we (the little guys) can be the change. This is something we’ve seen to be true in our work and the inspiring work our fellow social entrepreneurs do everyday.
Branson sums it up perfectly in this passage:
Margaret Mead was one of the first great cultural anthropologists whose work on the people of Samoa is still a text book study. David Shepherd says her words inspired him: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has’. He wrote to me, ‘Changing the world is no mean feat; but this quote reveals two of the great truths of the world. First, the world can be changed. Second, every great movement in the world starts with a tiny group of people who simply refuse to accept a situation. They gather their ideas and their passion and rive forward. If there is a problem they solve it or simply overcome it. They are not intimidated by the odds.’[i]
And we couldn’t agree more!
[i] Sir Richard Branson, 2011, Screw Business as Usual
PATHFINDER 