In my travels, I've noticed profound differences in how people approach generosity. In Thailand, for instance, it's common to see people giving money to the homeless without hesitation. This is in stark contrast to what I observe back home in the States, where such acts of kindness are rare. This disparity made me reflect on the broader concept of change and how we often desire it without being willing to initiate it ourselves.
We frequently wish for change, hoping or even complaining about the need for it. However, we are rarely willing to take the first step toward making that change. The truth is, meaningful change always begins with us. We cannot expect the world to change on its own; change requires a conscious, deliberate decision to grow and improve.
Take my experience as a Bitcoiner, for example. I dream of a hyperbitcoinized world, yet I haven't fully committed to the changes necessary to move in that direction. I still use fiat currency, don't run a full node, and don't pay in sats regularly. This is a clear example of how our aspirations for change must be matched by our actions. Changing ourselves is the most effective way to begin transforming our environment. Even if the external world remains the same, our internal environment will have improved, and that's where the real impact lies.
We often talk about change but fail to follow through. I, too, desire a better world, yet I shy away from small gestures like saying hi to strangers. This simple act of acknowledgment can be the first step towards building a habit of kindness. The same goes for giving money to the homeless. It's not about whether they deserve it; it's about the act of kindness and the fulfillment it brings. These small, consistent actions can gradually transform our habits and, eventually, our environment.
Will giving a few dollars to a homeless person end homelessness or world hunger? Probably not. But it's a step in the right direction, much more so than doing nothing at all. Reflecting on the generosity I've witnessed in Thailand, I see that people there don't think twice about helping others, despite having less wealth than those in the West. They live in a developing country, yet their acts of kindness contribute to a generally happier society.
If we want the world to change, or even just a part of our lives to change, we must start with ourselves. Change always begins with us. If we are unwilling to change, nothing around us will ever change. By becoming the change we wish to see, we can gradually create a better world, one small act of kindness at a time.