I recently listened to the Nerdist podcast with Bill Gates. I thought that it would be focused on Microsoft and his history with the company. Instead, and what I didn’t realize, was that it was released along with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Annual Letter. I knew that he was a huge supporter of third world countries, and that his philanthropic helped people all over the globe. But what I did not expect out of listening was to be introduced to “world citizenship”.

And honestly, it does matter; in ways I’ve never thought of, or realized, before. The concept is that everyone on the planet should be aware of the welfare of the rest of the world. Even though I’ve always been stubborn and only care about the United States, it made me realize a few things. Conflict in the Middle East DOES affect everyone, Polio and different diseases CAN affect me, political unrest in Egypt WILL affect my son’s life in the future, and there IS something I can do about it.

World citizenship is a very unique theory. I’m happy to have ended up listening to the whole podcast, and even read the annual letter (both are linked below). I don’t want to push people, or inspire them to do something. Just give the letter a read, or the podcast a listen, and make your own conclusion.

Nerdist Podcast with Bill Gates

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Annual Letter