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15th out of 65 books
—
22 voters
How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas
What business entrepreneurs are to the economy, social entrepreneurs are to social change. They are, writes David Bornstein, the driven, creative individuals who question the status quo, exploit new opportunities, refuse to give up--and remake the world for the better.
How to Change the World tells the fascinating stories of these remarkable individuals--many in the United...more
How to Change the World tells the fascinating stories of these remarkable individuals--many in the United...more
Hardcover, 320 pages
Published
February 5th 2004
by Oxford University Press
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• I loved this book because it was about real-life people who are doing remarkable things in the world…it is an inspiration for me about what’s possible. Some specific things I learned are that:
o Often Government/NGO ideas of what people need are different than people’s ideas of what they need, so ask the people what they actually need and address that (Fabio Rosa)
o Accountability is important on the receiving side too: i.e. when mothers failed to keep their end of the bargain, Renascer released...more
o Often Government/NGO ideas of what people need are different than people’s ideas of what they need, so ask the people what they actually need and address that (Fabio Rosa)
o Accountability is important on the receiving side too: i.e. when mothers failed to keep their end of the bargain, Renascer released...more
You can't read this book like a novel. It's more like a company history of Ashoka spliced with a catalog of some interesting projects with some morals interspersed. I read a few of the examples that were relevant to me and passed on the others. The bits I read were interesting, inspiring, and factually correct as far as I can tell. There are good lessons about how to do what works. As the author points out, e.g. regarding Mary Lasker, social entrepreneurial activity in itself can do more harm th...more
I found this incredibly helpful from a practitioner standpoint because it was filled with case history data and learning curves, but the most useful thing about it was its focus on people as makers of history and changers of communities. Too often we are tempted to believe that money changes things, or policies or governments or large institutions. This is about passion and discipline and tenacity in *people* who care enough to sacrifice until the change takes root. In a very meaningful way it d...more
I would recommend this to anyone interested in the social sector, but who doesn't know a whole ton about it. It's enjoyable to read, with short profiles of Bill Drayton's Ashoka foundation and a selected group of people and their high-impact projects. It eventually makes some interesting conclusions about what qualities a successful social entrepreneur possesses and about how this sector is starting to go through some major transformations. I liked the epilogue about how the author continued to...more
Jul 21, 2011
Tommy Estlund
added it
Very interesting collection of case studies in the emerging citizen sector. (As opposed to either public or private, the emerging "citizen sector" is an entity unto itself.)
I found this very informative, and very hopeful. As I recently discussed with a friend, the most viable solution to the ills of this world cannot be government directed. (Yes, i think there is an absolute place for government involvement, as I am somewhat of a socialist, but the truly sustainable changes that need to occur n...more
I found this very informative, and very hopeful. As I recently discussed with a friend, the most viable solution to the ills of this world cannot be government directed. (Yes, i think there is an absolute place for government involvement, as I am somewhat of a socialist, but the truly sustainable changes that need to occur n...more
Great book for inspirational stories about social entrepreneurs. Bornstein has done a great job chronicling a number of people you have probably never heard of, but are doing huge things to positively impact the lives of people.
Doesn't truly answer the question "how to change the world" though. He interjects a chapter in between each entrepreneur's story, which are essentially "key takeaways". It helps extract the right themes from the stories, but wouldn't see it as a specific "how-to" or "step...more
Doesn't truly answer the question "how to change the world" though. He interjects a chapter in between each entrepreneur's story, which are essentially "key takeaways". It helps extract the right themes from the stories, but wouldn't see it as a specific "how-to" or "step...more
I'd never even heard the term "social entrepreneur" before reading this book, but I'm starting to like it. Important parting words from the author included "...People who solve problems must somehow first arrive at the belief that they *can* solve problems. This belief does not emerge suddenly. The capacity to cause change grows in an individual over time as small-scale efforts lead gradually to larger ones." The stories here, and analysis of the growth of this sector of work, show that there is...more
I remember feeling very self-conscious whenever I read or carried this book around in public. Friends, whenever they see you carrying a book, will always ask "What are you reading?" I'd sheepishly show them the cover, anticipating what I know was coming next.. An "Emily, are you really trying to change the world?" or "Oh Em, you know you can't save the world, right?"
Had I read Novogratz by then, I would have retorted with a "Probably not, but I'd be happy enough if I could manage to give it a nu...more
Had I read Novogratz by then, I would have retorted with a "Probably not, but I'd be happy enough if I could manage to give it a nu...more
This is the story of Ashoka the brain child of Bill Drayton. Its the "Venture Capitalist" of social entrepreneurs if you will. The strategy is to identify social entrepreneurs who have launched their operations, demonstrated the effectiveness of their ideas and their commitment and have the potential to achieve large scale impact - but lack the funds and support for the same. This is where Ashoka comes in - providing capital and support to social entrepreneurs to see them through the point of in...more
It is not often I read a book that is basically a waste of time, but this book by David Bornstein is one of them. I picked it up with the hopes of promise of something useful, but I was left with a collection of poorly written stories about "social entrepreneurs". Instead of writing about them and explaining their accomplishments in more practical terms, Bornstein leaves us with a history lesson.
Buy this book if you want a fairly lengthy book on your shelf with an impressive title. Don't buy it...more
Buy this book if you want a fairly lengthy book on your shelf with an impressive title. Don't buy it...more
I liked it. It's the kind of book that can be put down and picked up again no problem. I read it during a volunteer stint on Monday mornings over many weeks. There are inspiring stories of people all over the world making significant improvements in people's lives. I especially appreciated the chapters on the common qualities among the social entrepreneurs. The key ingredient for success seems to be Motivation -- not necessarily a particular skill or keen intellect or excessive drive.
A very inspiring read. Besides business & non-fiction, I also shelved it under spirituality, creativity, & self-awareness, because it contains stories about people who, by the will of their strong entrepreneurial spirits, created their dreams in spite of incredible odds.
For those of us who want to change the world & wonder how, just as our little 'ole selves, we're gonna do that, this book can inspire the belief, the courage & the tenacity it takes.
For those of us who want to change the world & wonder how, just as our little 'ole selves, we're gonna do that, this book can inspire the belief, the courage & the tenacity it takes.
"unfinished"
How to Change the World is one of the most interesting and inspiring books. It basically gives you a good introduction about the work of Social Entrepreneurship; what it means, what it does or can do, who its “heroes” are, and how it can be applied effectively.
What I find most interesting about this book is how the information is being presented. I really loved the author’s writing style and flow of thoughts. Mainly, the book introduces a series of detailed case studies of successful...more
How to Change the World is one of the most interesting and inspiring books. It basically gives you a good introduction about the work of Social Entrepreneurship; what it means, what it does or can do, who its “heroes” are, and how it can be applied effectively.
What I find most interesting about this book is how the information is being presented. I really loved the author’s writing style and flow of thoughts. Mainly, the book introduces a series of detailed case studies of successful...more
Bornstein's How to Change the World chronicles the various projects of social entrepreneurs. Their profiles are simultaneously stories and case-studies, highlighting solutions to universal issues across disciplines. A definite must-read for anyone in the field, or anyone not in the field. Get your hands on a copy!
Slow at times but a great book about ways we can all bring about change in the world. Filled with cases of individuals who have made a difference by simply starting to do something. If you are searching for a career change, what you should be doing in life, or some inspiration this is a great book for you.
من الكتب التي القت اثرا بالا في نفسي. يتحدث عن رواد الاعمال الاجتماعيين، ويمكن الاطلاع على مدونتي للحصول على معلومات وعرض اكثر تفصيلا.
http://wa2el.net/blog/2011/04/03/tech...
http://wa2el.net/blog/2011/04/03/tech...
This is a very interesting book that shows the importance of the "citizen sector" and the ideas and work of social entrepreneurs. The government and private sector cannot take care of all the needs in the world, so it is inspiring to see people stepping up to make a difference by taking their ideas and working relentlessly to make them happen. This book gives several examples of people in the world working hard to change societies for the better while encouraging all of us to be "changemakers" (...more
Great book about some remarkable social entrepreneurs who have made significant changes to their communities. Not necessarily a fast-paced, exciting read, but one that nevertheless inspires one to believe that one person CAN make a difference.
This is an intriguing book. I didn't finish it because I didn't find it entirely captivating (and I was reading a couple other books at the same time), but the idea behind the book and the stories in it are lots of food for thought. The idea of the author is to take a look at social entrepreneurs-- people who have dynamic, viable ideas of how to better their surroundings or the conditions of others in a sustainable way. And through the assistance of a charitable organization, they've done it. I...more
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The stories in these book are very inspiring for anyone who believes in making a difference and committing their life to that aim. It also offers many guidance and lessons learned through the stories of these social entrepreneurs. The parts about the Ashoka foundation itself are somewhat dull but there are still important points made throughout.
I really like the intro part of this book. It's so inspiring and encouraging that any young people with social responsibilities will be awaken and consider the lifelong exciting career as a problem solver to create profound social value.
This was a required book for grad school, but I really enjoyed it. It is full of examples of Ashoka Fellows and their ideas for changing the world. Very informative and inspiring.
Some chapters of this book were assigned to me in a college class on social entrepreneurship. I decided to go back and read the whole thing, and was pleased. The writing itself isn't anything to remark on, and it's not especially instructive on the "how" end of things (despite what the title might suggest). What it is, though, is a journalistic set of little vignettes on some seemingly normal people who have done some pretty phenomenal things. It's a quick read, and really quite inspiring. Don't...more
These are impressive examples of individuals successfully identifying and pursuing projects that will benefit mankind. The actual projects are innovative and interesting, but it's the motivation to be of service to others that comes across as the key factor and message to me. I rated it a four instead of a five because it falls short of being applicable to my situation and goals.
inspiring and well-told book about Ashoka fellows around the world and the innovative things they are doing for the greater good. told in a "storylike" way so it doesn't get dull
It wasn't always clear where Bornstein was headed with his examples. One has to take a step back to understand his overarching points. But lot of good plugs for Ashoka, haha.
This was given to me at a development conference I was at. It is centered around projects that Ashoka fellows run, with each chapter a summary of the fellow and their idea. I didn't know much about Ashoka before reading this, which appears to be a great organization. The projects are all quite interesting to read about.
The book is definitely worth reading for those interested in social entrepreneurship. However, if could benefit from having tried to extract more "blueprints" as it calls them, f...more
The book is definitely worth reading for those interested in social entrepreneurship. However, if could benefit from having tried to extract more "blueprints" as it calls them, f...more
Mr. Bornstein is a talented writer. He did a very good job of dealing with the minibiographies of all these unsung heroes. I love social entrepreneurship.
The stories of social entrepreneurship in Bornstein’s How to Change the World are inspiring and instructive. I read as a textbook, but would read again.
This book inspired and encouraged me to consider working in the nonprofit sector one day, which i had previously deemed as archaic, sluggish, and ineffective. It gives a great picture of the rising field of social entrepreneurism that is filling the social void left by the government and business sectors. Sprinkled with case studies focused on the entrepreneur that began each movement, it proves that one individual's commitment to a great idea can really create change.
Although this meaty book w...more
Although this meaty book w...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six Qualities of Successful Social Entrepreneurs | 1 | 38 | Jun 23, 2009 11:55am |
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“Poverty is not only a lack of money, it's a lack of sense of meaning.”
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10 people liked it
“An idea is like a play. It needs a good producer and a good promoter even if it is a masterpiece. Otherwise the play may never open; or it may open but, for a lack of an audience, close after a week. Similarly, an idea will not move from the fringes to the mainstream simply because it is good; it must be skillfully marketed before it will actually shift people's perceptions and behavior.”
—
6 people liked it
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