book club
Be the hero Matt Friedman urges his readers to step up and take action to address the issues of our times. By Apple Lee How can readers find a cause that they are passionate about contributing to? Everyone has a cause that inspires them. I believe that we don’t get to select our cause, but our cause selects us. There is something about each of us that draws us to a particular topic – possibly because of who we are, our value system, our personal experiences or a combination of these factors. If you already know what your cause is, then you are ahead of the game. If you don’t, the first step is to discover that cause. The process begins with a simple set of questions: “What is really important to me? What makes my heart beat faster? What would be my perfect opportunity?” Then go online and watch videos, read blogs and articles and see what makes your heart sing.
What does being a hero mean to you?
Tell us a little bit about yourself? I am an international human trafficking advisor with more than 30 years of experience. Currently, I am the CEO of The Mekong Club, an organisation that brings together different Hong Kong businesses to help end modern slavery.
So, what’s the book about? Be the Hero: Be the Change encourages readers to step up and take action to make a positive difference to the world. This can be through fighting climate change, addressing injustice, reducing poverty or stopping bullying – whatever cause that speaks to you. The book offers a step-by-step guide to help you overcome personal doubts that keep you back from getting involved in our world and its problems.
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Why did you choose to release your book during this time? I began writing the book one year ago when I felt a strong desire to put my feelings down on paper. Two weeks before the coronavirus crisis broke, the book was completed. This was an interesting coincidence. At this time, more than any other time in recent history, we are starting to feel a sense of urgency – the epidemic is affecting us all in one shape or form. I hope that the book can help to harness people’s power during this difficult period. It is the individual decisions that have the greatest impact on helping to heal our world. If more people are willing to step up and offer their small, compassionate gestures, just imagine the impact. In this way, success in creating a better tomorrow is simply a numbers game.
Most of us feel that heroes are people who demonstrate impossible feats of bravery to help those in need. While this is one example, not all heroes exist in comic books or in movies. They are not just people who risk their own lives to save the helpless. I consider everyone who steps up to help, no matter how big or small the gesture, to be a hero. There is heroism within each and every one of us. It is a voice of good, of righteousness, of action and of love. In today’s world, this voice too often lies dormant and receives very little nurturing, but this heroic part of us can rise up and tackle the problems of the world head-on.
Most importantly, where can we buy your book? You can purchase the book online on Amazon. We are currently working on releasing an audio version. The proceeds from this book will go towards supporting Covid-19 efforts.
