When it comes to making this world a better place, we can learn a thing or two from our children. That’s why we’ve compiled a reading series of some of the most influential young trailblazers across the world, whose talents include advocating against climate change and fighting for the right to education, to name a few. From activists to investors – this series includes just a handful of the young change-makers that have paved the way for many generations to come. If these inspiring stories don’t get you moving, we don’t know what will!
Achmat survived a shark bite to become a brilliant Paralympic swimmer. Alan wanted to use maths to change the way people lived, signalling the beginning of modern computers. Read their stories.
Sometimes reading stories about one child’s brave act, creative spark, or quiet determination is enough to inspire our kids — or yours, or anyone’s really. Today we share the stories of Baldwin IV and Bill Gates whose contribution to the world is nothing short of legendary.
Carolus Linnaeus was a Swedish botanical taxonomist who was the first person to formulate a uniform system for defining and naming the world’s plants and animals. It’s all thanks to him that a Warthog is not just called a “chunky, round, reddish-brown pig with horns that’s also BFFs with Timone, but can also be a type of sausage too”.
Read about how Captain Sully managed the impossible and landed a plane on the Hudson river, saving many lives. Also read how Confucius taught that leaders should lead by doing what’s right and good, instead of chasing power of money.
Look at how Daniel Radcliffe created the magic of Harry Potter and how this magical phenomenon cast a spell on the cultural landscape. Also read about Daniel Tammet who has autism. He can see and feel numbers, speak 10 languages and has written many books. He says that although technically disabled, it needn’t get in the way.
Sir David Attenborough has inspired millions by bringing the natural world into our homes. His impact is even more surprising than you might expect. Don McPherson, a famous American football player, now travels the country talking to young people about masculinity, feminism and sports, in order to build a safer world.
Eugene Cernan, known as “the last man to walk on the moon” and a Captain in the U.S. Navy, left his mark on the history of exploration by flying three times in space and twice to the moon. Frederick Douglass was born into slavery but managed to escape. It is thanks in part to the work of Frederick, that all slaves in America were declared free in 1865.
Galileo Galilei revolutionised our understanding of the universe and, of all of his telescope discoveries, he is perhaps most known for his discovery of the four most massive moons of Jupiter, now known as the Galilean moons. King George taught us that perhaps our greatest fears live within us and are not our reality.
Hans Scholl, a former member of Hitler Youth, grew disenchanted with Nazi ideology once its real aims became evident. Hans Scholl’s last words: “Es lebe die Freiheit!” – freedom lives. Iqbal Masih, became a child debt slave in a carpet factory in Pakistan. Five years later he was set free. He gave other children the courage to leave their owners and will be remembered as a child hero!
Ishiro Honda was the mastermind behind the gigantic green lizard that many young boys better know as Godzilla and, James Earl Jones is widely regarded as the one of greatest stage and screen actors both in his native USA and internationally. If you’re a fan of the big screen, these stories are certain to inspire you!
Lionel Messi, the real GOAT, and a man that needs no introduction. The Argentina international is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of football. Mahatma Gandhi is revered the world over for his nonviolent philosophy of passive resistance. Whether you’re into sport or advocating for world peace, these stories are sure to inspire you.
Muhammad Ali was a world champion in boxing, but he was also a proponent of peace. After retirement he kept travelling the world to spread the message of peace. Nelson Mandela is well known for his activism to ensure South Africans of all colours were given the same rights. He became the country’s first democratically elected president.
People who change the world aren’t always who you expect. Sometimes, they’re just ordinary people who believe in a better world. Read our bonus edition of inspirational young boys who grew up to change the world.
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