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ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER

10/6/2009

3 Comments

 
“Actions Speak Louder”

I recently read a remarkable, true story about William Kamkwamba, a young man from Malawi, Africa. William was forced to quit school at age 14 because his family could not pay the $80 annual school fee. Instead of becoming dejected or angry, William began to spend time at the library. When he noticed a picture of a windmill, William got the idea to build one. He realized that the windmill could provide a little electricity and pump water, both of which were in short supply in his community.

I've spent an undue share of my life pondering how to achieve my dreams and find good, meaningful work. Sometimes thinking is the precursor to creative work. But let's be honest. It can also be nothing more than fuel for the ego, an excuse to avoid trying the gifts we possess and doing the work we are meant to do. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action the fruit behind it." I am so moved by this story of a young person whose curiosity and recognition of a need led him to act, despite scarcity of emotional or financial support.

May your dreams continue to bear fruit, William Kamkwamba!

Now in his early 20s, William has written a book about his experiences. To learn more about William’s work or support his efforts, watch the videos below and use the widget to peek inside The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. Also visit his homepage or his guest blog on Huffington Post.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
William Kamkwamba
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show
Full Episodes
Political HumorRon Paul Interview



Buy William's book from your local independent bookseller
3 Comments
Mike Bloomenfeld
10/6/2009 03:09:22 am

Great story. Inspiring. Glad you passed it on.I'll be looking for his next inventions.

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bookbabie link
10/10/2009 01:36:11 am

I love autumn here in MI too, jeans and sweatshirt weather with the smell of the leaves and homemade apple pie, it doesn't get any better than that!

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Write Girl link
10/10/2009 03:51:20 am

Fabulous post. I love your description of the seasonal changes and the cloud formations. The first photo of the moon is gorgeous and I also love the photos of fall foliage. Thanks for sharing.

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    CHRISTINE PETERSEN
    is a professional writer, naturalist, and natural science educator who writes from her home in Minnesota—when she's not too distracted by the view out the window.

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