Book part 3

Title: Mountains beyond mountains

Author: Tracy Kidder

Publisher: Random house

Year published: 2003

Precis: Paul's journey through Haiti and his life as a devoted doctor helped made Haitians through there health issues. Paul was in the business for the pure sense of helping others, his selflessness lead him to great things. Although it didn't lead him to tons of money, it lead him to the great feeling of helping others and that's what he yearned for. He became a spoke persons for the Haitians because they was unable to do so with there poverty and illness as constrictions.

Quotes:

"Never underestimate the ability of a small group of committed individuals to change the world." page 164

The first thing that came to mind after I read this was Paul. I thought about him because he was just one person who made a huge difference in many people's life because he was so committed and passionate about his job. I agree with this statement because if someone is confident enough and have there mind set on doing/ accomplishing something I believe they can succeed. (A rational goal helps)

For him, the reward was inward clarity, and the price perpetual anger or, at best, discomfort with the world..." page 210

For Paul the reward wasn't money, the reward was simply knowing he helped someone, or improved there living (illness wise)

"If only you saw patients, you might not be happy" page 281

Although some of the sights Paul witness were disturbing, he still continued to help the people of Haiti and didn't give up on them. His dedication was unbelievable and inspiring.

Final thoughts:

When I first started this book I wasn't to touched and it didn't really mean much to me. As I kept reading on i realized that I could actually learn from this, not simply learn that helping others is a courteous thing to do, but that being selfless at times can actually be a wonderful reward. I tried being selfless for the day and to be honest id didn't work out as I planned, but after I would do something selfless I felt "happy" actually quite relieved. I'm still not sure what this feeling meant but I enjoyed it, on the train I tend to let older people sit, I try and hold doors open for people, and with close friends instead of asking for favors in return I simply help them out because I know its the "right" thing to do. The situations I just mentioned might not be actions of selflessness but they are acts of kindness and being kind is a good first step to being selflessness in my eyes.