Tag: positivity
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Far from privileged, Sanna Marin overcame a difficult childhood to become leader of Finland
By The Foundation for a Better Life Sanna Marin led Finland during one of the most uncertain times in world history. Many doubted her ability to lead at the young age of 34. But her poise and dedication to the working people of her country earned respect. As a child, Marin remembers waiting at the…
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The postman who became one of the greatest football coaches
By The Foundation for a Better Life Knute Rockne was the son of immigrant parents from Norway. After graduating from high school, he worked as a postman for four years until he had enough money to go to college. He would bring his work ethic and ingenuity to Notre Dame, where he pioneered a new…
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Putting things together in a jumbled world
Many who are aware that Ingvar Kamprad has dyslexia like to joke that he had a brilliant “idea” for a furniture company and misspelled it “ikea.” The delightful and humble Ingvar would be amused. After all, he accepted the condition as the impetus of his genius — and while the learning challenge wasn’t the reason…
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How a clockmaker changed the world of navigation
“Dead reckoning” is one of the most common terms uttered by swashbuckling captains in pirate movies. In the early 1700s, it meant using primitive tools like the astrolabe and compass to chart a course across the sea. The term is probably shorthand for “deduced” reckoning — but in practice, it sometimes took on a more…
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When the son of a saddlemaker created a tactile way for blind people to read, he opened a new world for millions of people
With the revolution of printing presses and their ability to mass produce books, newspapers and religious texts, civilization blossomed into an age of enlightenment. Books and libraries, formerly well-protected for royalty and hidden away in monasteries, quickly became available. Education expanded, and whole societies benefited. In the mid-15th century, Bibles, pamphlets and almanacs were seen…
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‘Jungle Book’ author was more than a great storyteller and Nobel Prize laureate
The enchanting stories of Rudyard Kipling owe their imaginative settings to the place he grew up: India. Born in Bombay in 1865, young and quite privileged, Kipling spent his youth inspired by the vibrant colors and customs of colonial India. His voice rose out of the people he met, the jungles he explored, and the…
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Muhammad Ali Index measures and encourages compassion across the country and around the world
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Muhammad Ali changed the sport of boxing with his deft moves, unconventional strategies, jackhammer punches and mouth that always seemed to be in gear. His passion was bigger than the ring, and his character never…
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Willis Ward was benched on the Michigan football squad for being Black. His teammate, Gerald Ford, stuck up for him and became his lifelong friend.
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save In 1934, Willis Ward was the only Black player on the University of Michigan football team. He was a very good student and an exceptional athlete. But when an opposing coach for Georgia Tech refused…
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From the cold wilderness of Alaska to the inner workings of the heart, Preston Pollard is helping kids rethink how they approach life
Preston Pollard grew up in Alaska. Not exactly the mecca for skateboarders. But Pollard isn’t one to follow in anyone else’s footsteps. After high school, Pollard moved to Los Angeles and became a professional skateboarder. Unlike the typical introvert who thrives in the art of motion and solitude of ramps, Pollard also became a motivational…
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From the cold wilderness of Alaska to the inner workings of the heart, Preston Pollard is helping kids rethink how they approach life
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Preston Pollard grew up in Alaska. Not exactly the mecca for skateboarders. But Pollard isn’t one to follow in anyone else’s footsteps. After high school, Pollard moved to Los Angeles and became a professional skateboarder.…