"Sharing is Caring"

"If educational materials can bring people out of poverty, and information can now be copied and shared with greater ease, there is a moral obligation to do so. Information should be shared, because it is the right thing to do." (Caswell, Henson, Jensen, & Wiley, 2008)

Sharing is indeeed caring, as my friend Sara Tours, an early childhood specialist and researcher in the area of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) often reminds those around her. And, as the authors mentioned above point out, it's just the right thing to do. I believe this absolutely.

Human beings are social creatures. We depend on each other, look out for each other in time of need, learn from each other, and get frustrated with each other when we don't agree on what the "right" or "correct" course of action may be. We operate most effectively, safely, and efficiently in groups. Anthropologically speaking, we have survived thanks to our social nature.

Now, more than ever, because of all that Web 2.0 has to offer we have a virtually unlimited capacity to bring education and knowledge to all people. Many believe that education is the ultimate key to world peace. Powerful stuff.

One of the most vocal individuals in this regard is Malala Yousafzai. Malala has fought for the education of woman and girls worldwide after being shot in the head by members of the Taliban at the age of 15 in Pakistan. She was shot because she would not give up what she believed was her right to an education, nor would she stop being vocal about that right, even under mortal threat. She survived, against unimaginable odds. Malala is the youngest recipient in history of the Nobel Peace Prize, having accepted the award at age 16.

Here's a little inspiration for you. (Have the tissues handy.)

What do you think? Is Malala correct? What if the key to world peace is not a stronger military, but a stronger and broader educational structure? Is it really that elegantly simple?