Blum Richard C. - An Accident of Geography: Compassion, Innovation and the Fight Against Poverty

An Accident of Geography offers a rousing, uplifting, high-octane tour of an extraordinary life. Although Dick Blum has made an indelible mark in many spheres, I know him primarily as the driving force behind the amazing American Himalayan Foundation. Over the past twenty years I have witnessed Dicks visionary leadership and irrepressible energy transform hundreds of thousands of lives in Nepal, Tibet, and India. If youre wondering how to make the world a better place, this book will inspire you.

Jon Krakauer, author of Into the Wild, Into Thin Air, and Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town

An Accident of Geography could also be called An Accident of Birth. Where we are born determines so much about our chances to fulfill our potential on earth. This inspiring book describes the work being done by people who want to make sure that this accident does not turn into a punishment, even a life sentence. It is a book about innovation but above all, compassion.

Fareed Zakaria, author and CNN anchor

Dick Blum is an American original. His chapter on reviving two moribund financial institutions in Asia, generating $4 billion for investors by 2010, is destined to become required reading in courses on business strategy and international management.

Walter Isaacson, president and CEO of The Aspen Institute, and New York Times best-selling author

Richard Blum has been engaged in philanthropic work in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and the Himalayan regions of India. He has generously helped many poor people find new opportunities, enabling threatened communities and cultures to thrive. An Accident of Geography is a moving account of what he and his colleagues have achieved in their efforts to promote development and happiness for all. There is much in the pages of this book to emulate and admire.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

An Accident of Geography abounds with life lessons, showing us Richard Blums fascinating and, at times, surprising journey as a leader in business and finance, education, politics both domestic and international, global economic development, religion, spirituality, and philanthropy. The book includes, close-up, some of the most significant figures of his era, from Sir Edmund Hillary to Jimmy Carter; the Dalai Lama; Bill Clinton; Barack Obama; and Blums wife, Senator Dianne Feinstein. His book shows how an optimistic, talented, and energetic American made himself into what Isaiah Berlin might have called both hedgehog and fox.

Michael Beschloss, presidential historian

Dick Blums passion to make the world a better place, particularly for those born in the worlds poorest regions, is evident on every page of this important and moving book.

George P. Shultz, former US Secretary of State

This timely call to action begs us to consider how we can turn privilege and good fortune into positive action to reduce poverty and suffering in a world of increasingly limited resources. Dick has made it his lifes work to share his success by fostering programs which provide education, healthcare, food, and access to clean water in needy communities around the world. The seeds he has sown will continue to grow and bear fruit for generations to come.

Richard Gere, actor and humanitarian

The friendship between Dick Blum and my father, Ed Hillary, came from time shared in the Himalayas. But, unlike most expeditionaries, their focus moved from the mountains to the people who lived among them. Dicks book is about how these people in turn became good friends. Once you have friendship and trust, it is a short climb to empowerment and from there the climb ascends the arte of innovation to the summit spur of actualization. This is the story of that climb.

Peter Hillary, mountaineer, philanthropist, and writer

Dick Blum has worked for more than forty years to fight poverty, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote education. He has written a timely, engaging book about the promise and challenges of todays global development workand one persons focused determination to make a difference. I urge you to read An Accident of Geography.

Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State

An Accident of Geography is the well-told story of one mans fight against global poverty. The book abounds with energy, innovative ideas, and impatience with existing governments and bureaucracies. After reading it, you will ask yourself what you have done to improve the lives of others. On this score, Blums record will be hard to beat.

Janet Napolitano, president of the University of California and former US Secretary of Homeland Security

Deeply troubling at times, this absorbing, fast-paced personal journey is also affectionate, humorous, instructive, and, ultimately, uplifting. Dick Blum makes a compelling case that the best response to todays urgent challenge of avoiding deadly regional conflicts is fighting poverty with compassion and disciplined management that gets results.

Walter F. Mondale, former Vice President of the United States

As a successful investor, Richard demonstrated that smart strategic thinking and analysis coupled with persistent, focused leadership could build market value for companies in the United States and around the world. This same approach can transform global poverty and expand the reach of justice, especially for the worlds poorest people. An Accident of Geography is a must-read for all young people and especially those with that important inner desire to do something special for the world.

Rajiv Shah, distinguished fellow, Georgetown University, and former administrator of the US Agency for International Development

Dicks philanthropic generosity makes the world a far better place and inspires me every day. An Accident of Geography gave me even more insight into Dicks extraordinary contributions to mankind. For anyone wishing to give back to society, this book will serve as a template for how to do so effectively, and with great passion and humility.

Sherry Lansing, founder and CEO of The Sherry Lansing Foundation

An adventurerphilanthropists lively, passionate combination of memoir, manifesto, and manual for anyone who wants to improve the world.

Strobe Talbott, president of the Brookings Institution

In this thoughtful and inspiring book, Richard Blum offers his personal journey as a model for how to improve the lives of others. He shows us through example that although one person cannot defeat poverty, one person can make a profound difference.

Robert B. Reich, Chancellors Professor of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley

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Copyright 2016 Richard C. Blum

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