If you knew you had 40 chances to get something right, to fix a problem, or to change the world, what would you do? Philanthropist and farmer and Howard G. Buffett made the decision to help people who are among the most vulnerable, the nearly one billion individuals who lack basic food security.
Buffett recalls hearing a farmer at a conference say that most farmers have 40 seasons to get farming right. And, according to Buffett, the average person also has about 40 productive years in her/his life. 40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World, co-authored with his son Howard W. Buffett, follows Buffett’s journey. The authors describe the lessons learned on Buffett’s own farm and from their travels around the world–and they talk about the solutions that many of the most disenfranchised folks in the world are finding in their own communities.
The principles of 40 Chances lays out critical questions for anyone looking to use their 40 most productive years efficiently:
- Am I acting with purpose and urgency in my life?
- Am I taking smart risks?
- Am I learning the right lessons from my mistakes?
- Am I improving upon every chance I have?
- Am I making the most of my chances in life?
Buffett is travelling to more than 10 cities in the U.S. to promote the book. On Monday, October 28th, he’ll be speaking at an event in Chicago cohosted by Food Tank and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
But a national book tour to promote action is not the only way Buffett is engaging people. The 40 Chances website provides different ways for inspired individuals to get involved in conservation, food security, and agriculture, both locally and globally.
