Being vocal in local politics. Volunteer in schools to teach children about history, democracy and technology. IMO there are two criteria’s to be a true citizen: 1) not afraid to speak out in public and push back, and 2) be a scientific person
Ask HN: Ideas for small ways to make the world a better place
31–40 of 46 posts
Re: Ask HN: Ideas for small ways to make the world a better place
#32If you drive, drive safely. Slow down in neighborhoods.
Re: Ask HN: Ideas for small ways to make the world a better place
#33I would not over complicate this. My personal four part plan for this is:
1. Donate a portion of my income to charitable causes I find worthy. I would like to target 10% of my net income.
2. Volunteer at a local organization that you care about. There are usually ample opportunities for committed volunteers if you look for them.
3. Have children. Try to raise them to be responsible, caring citizens. That way I can extend my efforts to the next generation.
4. In the near future, I intend to attempt to get involved with local politics somehow. I am still figuring out the specifics, but I am thinking that running for the local school board would be beneficial.
Re: Ask HN: Ideas for small ways to make the world a better place
#34Leave every place you visit better than you found it. Example: pick up trash in public spaces such as parks and restrooms.
Re: Ask HN: Ideas for small ways to make the world a better place
#35Go vegan. You will no longer be apart of horrific animal abuse, the leading cause of biodiversity loss and deforestation, and if done correctly, will likely improve your health. You won't be able to get so much good from doing one thing.
And if you can't do that, it's not all or nothing. It's not about keeping your soul pure.
Go vegan on weekdays. Or weekends. Or one meal a day. Or do vegetarian instead of vegan.
There are a lot of ways to do a nonzero amount of good, and you may inspire others to do so. And this partial commitment allows you to do so without any adjustment to your lifestyle. You will not suffer a B12 or iron deficiency or whatever else you're worried about. You don't have to eat weird foods you're grossed out by.
Re: Ask HN: Ideas for small ways to make the world a better place
#36Give at least one person per day — whom you otherwise wouldn’t — a few words of genuine and specific appreciation. Friend, family, coworker, stranger. Doesn’t matter.
It is heartbreaking to see how people's eyes light up when you give them a modicum of recognition. We shouldn't be so starved of love that we expect to walk through a wasteland every day. When I was Lyfting I had people shower me with thanks simply for showing what I consider basic human decency, by having genuine conversations and truly listening.
Re: Ask HN: Ideas for small ways to make the world a better place
#37I make the world better for myself everyday. Trying to make the world better for others has been a losing battle and one not worth fighting either. People are automatons. They have their own desires and irrational behaviors. So I just focus on my own happiness. Global warming? I’ll optimize to live on coastal California. It should be 60-75F beautiful sunny days until the day I die. Insane politics? I’ll live 2800 mil…
You sure it's not your outlook? You sound quite disenchanted and even bitter about the topic. I am sure you helped far more people than you think. Focus on gratitude.
Or at least like, don't spread bad vibes on the topic.
Re: Ask HN: Ideas for small ways to make the world a better place
#38Spread beauty. Make your surroundings pleasing to look at. Smile. Don't be ashamed to get caught smelling flowers. Pick up trash. Garden. Respect all creatures as equals worthy of life and consideration, when possible. Agere Contra - don't accept good enough as good enough, in your practices that promote life.
Re: Ask HN: Ideas for small ways to make the world a better place
#39Start with fixing yourself. Mental and physical health. Small steps. Will be kinder to others, more tolerant to other's mistakes, etc.
Re: Ask HN: Ideas for small ways to make the world a better place
#40I make the world better for myself everyday. Trying to make the world better for others has been a losing battle and one not worth fighting either. People are automatons. They have their own desires and irrational behaviors. So I just focus on my own happiness. Global warming? I’ll optimize to live on coastal California. It should be 60-75F beautiful sunny days until the day I die. Insane politics? I’ll live 2800 mil…
You sure it's not your outlook? You sound quite disenchanted and even bitter about the topic. I am sure you helped far more people than you think. Focus on gratitude. Or at least like, don't spread bad vibes on the topic.
[dead]