By this point in the book, I think it’s safe to say that we have all seen how amazing of a human being Paul Farmer is. As I am continuously astonished with the turn of each page, I can’t help but wonder how he is able to continually give all that he is over to others. The extent to which he dedicates himself is truly inspiring. There is one phrase that keeps coming to mind as I reflect on this. To quote the New Radicals, “You only get what you give.” Paul Farmer is an extreme example of what it means to fully give your self over to others. With his credentials he could have easily been living a life that many dream of, in a mansion on the beach with a Ferrari parked in the driveway. But instead of choosing these luxuries, Farmer continues to work in harsh, frustrating, and dangerous conditions as he strives to aid the Haitians. He doesn’t do it for fame or fortune; rather he does it because it is the right thing to do.
This internal drive is necessary to have in order to make a difference in a world with so much suffering and injustice, and I believe this drive can be rooted in one’s faith. Farmer’s experiences with global health had confirmed his beliefs. Even after being exposed to the horrors of disease across the world, Farmer claims, “ there was still a place to look for God, and that was in the suffering of the poor.” Although there are many different kinds, having faith is something that people of all backgrounds and all levels in life can share, which in my mind is truly amazing. This commonality reminds us that although we are all different and although we all come from different places, we are all here together in this world and it is our duty to help others.
This seems to be a cliché moral that we have been told since we were children. It is even shown in the University of Notre Dame’s mission statement as it states the goal, “To create a sense of human solidarity and concern for the common good that will bear fruit as learning becomes service to justice.” Its prominence is because of its importance. If we on this planet cannot look out for our fellow man, than what is the point? At the risk of getting to cheesy on you all I will say, you must empty yourself in order to feel full. By helping others we receive the greatest reward there is and that is something that cannot be shown by a mansion or a Ferrari, but rather something that is felt in our hearts. This is the reason I believe Paul Farmer lives the way he does, because he understands the importance of living for others.
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