JW
John Wood
14quotes
John Wood
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
John Wood was a renowned Australian author, philanthropist, and founder of the non-profit organization Room to Read.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on November 7, 1962, in Auckland, New Zealand. He passed away on August 10, 2018, after a battle with cancer.
Nationality and Profession(s)
New Zealander by birth, Australian by adoption, Wood was an author and philanthropist who spent most of his life working in Australia.
Early Life and Background
Wood grew up in New Zealand, where he developed a passion for reading and writing at an early age. He moved to Australia with his family and went on to study law at the University of Sydney. However, it was his experience as a lawyer that led him to realize the power of education in transforming lives.
Major Accomplishments
Wood's greatest accomplishment was founding Room to Read, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving literacy and educational opportunities for children in developing countries. Under his leadership, the organization established over 15,000 schools and distributed millions of books worldwide.
Notable Works or Actions
As an author, Wood wrote several books on philanthropy and social entrepreneurship, including "Creating Room to Read" and "Half Past Kiss Time". His writing often highlighted the impact of education on individuals and communities. Through his work with Room to Read, he was able to bring attention to the importance of literacy and educational opportunities in developing countries.
Impact and Legacy
John Wood's legacy is one of transformation and hope. Through Room to Read, he empowered millions of children worldwide to read and write, breaking cycles of poverty and illiteracy. His dedication to education has left a lasting impact on communities across the globe.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Wood's quotes often emphasize the power of education in changing lives. He is remembered for his inspiring message that "literacy is the cornerstone of all development" and that "reading can be an antidote to poverty". His commitment to social entrepreneurship has inspired countless individuals to follow in his footsteps, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Wood's impact extends beyond his work with Room to Read. He was a vocal advocate for education as a key driver of economic growth and social mobility. Through his writing and public speaking, he brought attention to the critical need for educational resources and infrastructure in developing countries.
As an author, philanthropist, and leader, John Wood's life serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the human spirit. His legacy continues to inspire individuals worldwide to work towards creating a more literate and empowered world.
Quotes by John Wood
John Wood's insights on:
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Right now what I need to think about is what would be possible, not all the reasons I can’t make a change.
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If you are thinking about making some adjustments in you life to allow you to help change the world, my heartfelt recommendation is not to spend too much time thinking about it. Just dive in.
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My view of the charity world is that compared with business, there is too much talk, way too many meetings and expert panels and blue-ribbon commissions, and not enough action. Or as an Australian friend of mine once opined: “Sometimes you just have to have a go and get on with it, mate!“.
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Sometimes, it’s really important to move with all deliberate speed. If there is something out there that you want to do to make the world a better place, don’t focus on the obstacles. Don’t ask for permission. Just dive in. Don’t let the naysayers get you down.
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The biggest risk is that a lot of people will try to talk you out of pursuing your dream. The world has too many people who are happy to discuss why something might not work, and too few who will cheer you and say, “I’m there for you.” The more time you spend navel-gazing, the longer you give those negative gravitational forces to keep you in their tether.
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If you go in as an American outsider, Mister Moneybags, and say 'I want to build you a school,' the local people will have no incentive to work on the project smartly or economically,
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Things do go wrong, ... We had sent all these books to Nepal, but then we did an evaluation with local teachers.
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I can guarantee you that had no relevance, ... We operate as an independent company. We have not called on them (Nana) for any such support, and they have not offered any.
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...talent is evenly distributed. You never know how many talented people are out there until you invite and inspire them to be creative.
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My view of the charity world is that compared with business, there is too much talk, way too many meetings and expert panels and blue-ribbon commissions, and not enough action. Or as an Australian friend of mine once opined: "Sometimes you just have to have a go and get on with it, mate!".
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