Mark Zuckerberg took to Facebook today to pen a heartfelt
letter to newborn daughter, Max. Within the body of the letter, Zuckerberg sets out to explore the positives and negatives of the world that he and wife Priscilla Chan will be raising Max in.
In it, the two — through the
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative — pledged 99 percent of their Facebook shares over their lifetimes to making progress on the points outlined within the letter.
The current value of those shares? $45 billion.
The letter explores hope in the fact that technology is bridging divides between cultures, curing disease and making it possible to at least envision a world without poverty.
He also notes the things we need to work on, such as better allocation of research money aimed at preventing disease, rather than just throwing money where the profit is, in treating it.
The letter touched on how to progress as a species by advancing human potential, promoting equality and ensuring the underrepresented have a voice.
He aims to complete these tasks through engagement in the community, longer term investments in the future and participating in policy and advocacy to help shape the narrative around the issues we're currently facing.
Change won't be easy, but it appears Zuckerberg and Chan are willing to put their money where their mouth is and lead the way. Kudos.
