Listen: Thoughts from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

[@boyinaband]

I'm really looking forward to this series of videos, John. Getting a genuine look inside Africa with your perspective is fascinating.

[@RyanDracula]

cool

[@mirceadraculov6515]

Holy crap. It's England's best socially conscientious rapper.

[@XxX__GAMER__XxX]

This is beyond funny lol

[@vlogbrothers]

In which John Green discusses his visit to the Yekatit 12 hospital's NICU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the extraordinary neonatologist there, Dr. Mulualem Gessesse, who has saved the lives of thousands of children. Kangaroo Mother Care is made possible at Yekatit 12 in part by Save the Children: savethechildren.org The Gates Foundation, which does so much important work around the world including Ethiopia: www.gatesfoundation.org/

[@Draconem_Deae]

Perpetual Weirdness same

[@Michael-rt2tl]

Did you contract Ebola while you where there?

[@Michael-rt2tl]

John-Alan Pascoe I was being sarcastic... sadly KZbin doesn't have a symbol for that...

[@forever9092]

This video truly inspired me. Thank you.

[@Johanna.EG.]

***** The Ebola outbreak is on the west coast of Africa, not the east.

[@meredithgenelevine5441]

I think it is wonderful that for a moment, we get to glimpse solutions to problems, rather than problems themselves.

[@alwaysandeverful]

Yes! That's why I've loved John's posts on Ethiopia so much, we so rarely hear positive stories from developing countries, it's good to see the actual progress being highlighted for once!

[@alisawilson6342]

It's nice to here that their problems are not as severe as before.

[@KristiDreamer]

Always good to hear the good that someone is doing for their own country.

[@medhitaylor3996]

Thank you Dr. Gessesse for helping all these kids. I was born in Ethiopia and I am lucky to be healthy and happy and not have worry about these things. So thank you for making sure that others will get the same amazing opportunity as me.

[@Rhiun]

Who dislikes these kind of videos?! They're awesome in every sense of the word!!

[@britchicknusa125]

Dr. Gessesse you are a hero!!! I commend you for your hard work and dedication to helping premature infants, despite not having the equipment or technology. Thank you for your hard work!

[@IceMetalPunk]

Thank you, Dr. Gessesse, for all you've done and continue to do. You may never see this comment, but the thanks is real regardless.

[@ItsBrittanyyBeach]

Thank you Dr. Gessesse for saving our children.

[@nadiact-ie5hy]

The idea of getting equipment and having it be the wrong size is tragic. Thank goodness for Dr. Gessesse and all doctors working under not-ideal conditions. I wish them all the best, and I'm looking forward to hearing more about healthcare initiatives in Ethiopia.

[@happycline]

I loved this. this showed the struggle, without making them seem like helpless buffoons (like a lot of those commercials you see on tv), but rather as real human beings, with inventive skill and purpose. Thank you.

[@Forceprincess]

I agree. There was no patronizing pity, or yuppie pride in this video. Just one group of humans wanting to help another group of humans. That is the was it should be.

[@natiman_]

Omg am so happy you went to see Ethiopia I my self was born and raised in Ethiopia

[@nadiact-ie5hy]

Do you still live there, if I may ask?

[@natiman_]

no am actually in US now going to college

[@emilywebster7655]

It's fantastic to hear that you're able to go to college!! I hope that you have a successful life!!

[@nadiact-ie5hy]

Natnael j Cool. Best of luck to you!

[@DannyFratella]

This is incredible. Thank you for sharing these experiences with us, and allowing us to see what we otherwise might be completely blind to.

[@ACETeacherGillette]

Proud of you for riding in a helicopter John. That's a big leap! Also, I love the concept of "our babies", it really makes me think. If we treated this world as ours, something that's shared, rather than this section and these people are yours and mine are over here, I believe we'd become responsible for everyone and everywhere, and make the world a better place to live in

[@KristiDreamer]

Agreed!

[@HeatherM4799]

I have so much respect for Dr Gessesse, what an incredible job all those doctors and nurses do! Heroes, every single one of them!

[@michaelkenner3289]

Dr Gessesse sounds absolutely awesome. I can't really imagine what it takes to work in those conditions, but she does it with creativity, compassion and style. What an amazing person.

[@c.e.benson3263]

God bless these doctors xoxoxo

[@epsereth]

What a role model she is. Thank you for introducing her to us.

[@LoneWolfDemon13]

Thank you Dr. Gessesse, you are a true blessing.

[@kierankaleidoscope]

I have missed Thoughts from Places. Thank you, John, for enlightening us all to things we know but do not quite acknowledge.

[@InfiniteChances74]

Thank you, Dr. Gessesse, for dedicating your life to this cause and thank you, John, for sharing this humbling experience with us.

[@Uberbabies]

Thank you Dr Gessesse

[@AndyH360]

That statement about many children is absolutely heartwarming, we need more people like this lady in the world!

[@oldwornoutjeans]

I was saved by the children's hospital of philidelphia's nicu. its amazing how basic many of the techniques are, but essential to saving my life. This is amazing that they are doing this in Ethiopia and I am so grateful to this woman for doing them. Newborn sickness is serious, scary and extremely intense.

[@alisawilson6342]

I know problems like this in the world exist but sometimes it all feels impossible to me. With instant access to a wealth of medical knowledge and hospitals near where in live, I don't need to worry about illnesses and diseases that are day to day problems for other people. Thank you for giving me an insight into a world I can't imagine.

[@ThePeagus123]

I am so proud that you have gone to Ethiopia because many people there are in need and their voice are not spoken.So thank you,John Green for being a completely wonderful,and amazing person.(Also if you have time when your not helping people you should see Gonder,the castles are gorgeous)

[@thisisnancybot]

Thank you John for allowing us to meet Dr. Gessesse and hear her story.

[@ilyem999]

Dr. Gessesse is a name most people will never hear in there life and yet she has some how managed to change the world in a way most of us could never hope to because she's saved thousands of lives. I still don't know how I want to change the world but I refuse to leave till I've left some sort of mark. She didn't do this to change the world she did it "for the Ethiopian newborns"

[@CLyane]

Dr. Gessesse is is hero. I'm on the verge of tears and want to give this amazing woman a hug.

[@chillsahoy2640]

Thank you, John, for making this video. With all the political tension and negative news lately I was starting to think that people aren't awesome, but you helped me remember that many people are. Thank you too, Dr Mulualem Gessesse, you are truly awesome!

[@Nonsensical_Mecha]

Dr. Gessesse is an inspiring woman.

[@kaysyconundrum]

This lady is a special brand of amazing human. I loved this video. I think it's important for people to be more educated on the RIGHT ways to donate to charity. Most people I know would love to help with global problems but they are much more capable of helping a friend. They know exactly where their money is going and can see the impact. Personally, I spend my yearly charity donations at the project for awesome because I trust where my money is going but I'd love to work on helping year-round somehow:)

[@marionreader2205]

This is absolutely eye-opening, we need more people like Dr. Gessesse in the world. How can we help?

[@Teenbabz1995]

By far, the best Thoughts From Places video! I wish I could donate to the foundation.

[@Naomi_Gla]

It was extremely moving! Being able to see this much insight into a very common issue that is known but not fully understand is an awesome opportunity. (Also, I'd like to take moment to compliment your username! DFTBA.)

[@Teenbabz1995]

Thank you :) I love your picture! How many people do you reckon will make p4a videos on the foundation?

[@Naomi_Gla]

Thanks! And hopefully a lot. I'd bet John will seriously consider doing a P4A video based on something he found super interesting on this trip. As long as it's inspiring people to get involved in issues they believe in, it's definitely awesome!

[@Moonbeam143]

You're a wonderful person, John. Being able to help people like this is great.

[@fridtjofnansen7104]

"I have many children, only two biological, but many children."- Dr. Mulualem Gessesse In the depths of destitution and despair, comes glimmers of hope.

[@fortuosity]

Every single one of your 'Thoughts from' videos gives me chills. This was no exception.

[@dawnnoele]

This was beautiful.

[@musicalforce]

I am just speechless! What a wonderful woman!

[@treymedley]

I *love* how, in a trip where he saw interesting and unique things in the world, met one of the biggest global celebrities there has ever been, and all this, he chose his first video to focus on the work done by Dr. Gessesse. Well done.

[@aerofeisst338]

And this is why I love this channel. I love you guys.

[@sementaymarut6447]

I'm Ethiopian myself and it feels good that someone is actually laying out the facts true facts. A lot of times when you see poor countries in Africa its always 'Hey donate money and save the children.' And nobody knows where the cash is going,maybe to a school maybe to food or rarely it's a scam.so when I saw this and read the comments I felt so happy that people are taking action. Another point I want to address is that John said that instead of forcing feeding a plan to help Ethiopians actually hearing what they have to say is amazing.

[@emilywhittle2146]

What a beautiful video. That woman deserves some kind of award for the work she is doing she seems like such a kind generous giving soul, we need more people like her in the world.

[@scottgoblue]

John and Bill in the helicopter is easily the greatest thing I'll see all day

[@ainsleyclapp1452]

Seeing the conditions that Dr. Mulualem Gesse has to work with and what she has accomplished combined with John's inspiring charity work literally brought me to tears.

[@jayjooisland]

This woman is a real-life superhero.

[@abhaysharma966]

We can say her wonder woman.

[@MegaPrecious1998]

Videos like this deserve more publicity than most popular things right now.

[@The_Lone_Aesir]

You really have to admire the ingenuity of those medical professionals doing a lot with very little in terms of resources. I wonder if anyone has ever thought to start a program where western med students intern in these sort of locations for a few months. This would increase the amount of on hand staff of these hospitals, while providing a humbling experience to our med students who could benefit from doing more with fewer tools.

[@biolinkstudios]

there is a program in England that does that :P

[@The_Lone_Aesir]

is it actual med students, or full fledged doctors? i think both could use the experience.

[@biolinkstudios]

***** They do any Course and its students :) last time I watched it, it was plumbers and it was fun to watch them do real work in dirty waters, also there was a female student and the men in that country did not want her doing any of the work XD but she was allowed because the filming team had to talk we them and allow her too, and that is why its nice to be in a develop country

[@The_Lone_Aesir]

oh nice.

[@fitihab]

Haha..they do, mostly from Sweden since they have good relationship. They have built a modern burn center ( the only in the country) in the same compound. The Swedish also give scholarships for doctors on plastic surgery and some other programs. They used to have children's hospital but they handed it back to the Ethiopian government. Americans only invest on HIV and mostly spend the money on their own luxurious and high demanding technical staff from three big universities including JHU. They live in comfy villas and travel for conferences. To say the least, it was a non sustainable program used by Americans in the name of HIV, six billion PEPFAR fund is gone now! No, they don't want Americans or the English. Only Scandinavians.

[@Justreplayy]

Dr. Gessesse & her team at Yekatit hospital, thank you for all you do!

[@NovelistVampireGirl]

Absolutely Amazing! Idk when/if you'll read this comment seriously but should that happen thank you for showing us this example of dedication and love and making the point that just because this is far away doesn't mean it isn't our problem. I was born with heart defects and spent almost my whole first month in various NICUs around the eastern half of the country. As a grew up I watched some of my friends with similar issues die from things that could have been prevented and it broke my heart 1000 times over. I was wondering if maybe at sometime in the future we nerdfighters could join together and do something about it?

[@NovelistVampireGirl]

btw when I say that, I mean about the sad fact that it does still happen, although death rates from CHD have fallen by roughly 30% in the last 20 years, it is still true that of the 40,000 CHD kids born in the USA every year 14,000 of those kids will not see their 18th birthday and that, in the year 2014 is... appalling. DFTBA

[@MollyM2]

Um, what if Nerdfighter mission trips were a thing?

[@NovelistVampireGirl]

Another good idea!

[@KaraHumphreyJo]

Molly Moriarty I ship this idea so much. SO. MUCH.

[@pastorkevin52]

Thank you for sharing. Even if John didn't see this (But maybe he did) it's great to know how much some of us can be inspired by work going on to save children instead of cursing the darkness. Good luck with whatever you do.

[@chansondelapluie]

What an inspiring, resourceful woman! Thank you for sharing her story (and that of the mothers and infants in her care) with us, John.

[@casperTheBird]

Ive never really thought of people in other countires as anything but "others" not us. And even though Ive always agreed that its important to help even those in other countries, Ive never thought of everyone as one and the same. But Johns right, I mean we do live together as the same people on the same planet. And if we started treating eachother like so, the world probably be a much happier place

[@rayhs1984]

bravo to you for admitting it

[@leemurdock5222]

Thank you Dr. Gessesse for all that you do...you deserve all of our help...

[@Paramorefans28]

Maybe I'm just in an emotional mood, but this made me cry. I guess it's due to the fact that these "quiet" issues aren't talked about enough and it's shocking to see it sometimes. But I think my cry was also happy, as things are getting better and people are trying to help, maybe not enough, but they're trying. That must have been an overwhelming experience.

[@paulwalsh7134]

Manly tears were shed.

[@joshgadget]

Great video, wish it was longer.

[@AntiComposite]

I think this would count as educational,

[@joshgadget]

abc03833 I think it has been agreed to that thoughts from places is not educational. I think they should be educational.

[@Dantheman1695]

Josh Shpayher I think videos regarding charity should also be exempt but that is just my opinion

[@joshgadget]

Dantheman1695 that makes sense

[@bgiuliano68]

What exactly is the rule with that? No video can be longer than four minutes unless it is educational? What exactly qualifies as educational?

[@ClaireF_]

So much respect and admiration for Dr. Mulualem Gessesse. Inspiring, selfless acts of love to save thousands of our children. We owe so much to people like her whose dedication to saving countless lives goes unknown in the world. Thank you for saving not only children of Ethiopa but children of the earth- our children.

[@GentelmenGaga11]

So About half a Year ago me and my mum flew to Addis to visit our family bc my mum is born there (so i am half ethiopian) and it was so so so intense being there. Everything, literally everything was different and so many things were shocking for me as a german Kid. Like so many things you wouldnt even really notice bc they are so normal arent there in ethiopia. Im really happy that my rolemodel John freakin Green was in my Country (haha) and saw all those things :) omg John Green Write a Book about ethiopia (!!!!) and i will die - in a good way

[@nateabe7141]

Being Ethiopian myself I thank you John for taking time to see the poverty and help needed in not only Addis Ababa but Ethiopia as a whole. Thank You!

[@JamieTyson]

As an adult CPAP user I can attest- a CPAP is a miraculous machine! I believe that without too much effort some nerdfighters could buy a few units and have them shipped to Ethiopia; I'm happy to contribute. An adult CPAP is well under a thousand dollars, more like $800 without insurance discounts and including all accessories including a power supply that can run on 12v DC batteries if needed. Can anyone out there from a DME supplier provide pricing? It seems like a simple battle to fight and win to save children!

[@JamieTyson]

Let me add- I have no idea how much an infant CPAP costs- I'm proposing we find out and fund it and save lives.

[@sbrox101]

People like Dr. Gessesse, amaze and inspire me so much

[@_Oscartoons]

Is there any way that us as a group of nerdfighters can help that specific hospital?

[@VideoNozoki]

I totally agree with you. However, I wonder if maybe it would be better to wait to get more facts and details of his trip. (For example, maybe the cost of concreting their floor = the cost of building fresh wells or mosquito nets for entire towns) Find out what the most good we can do with the resources we have, react thoughtfully.

[@xZMetalGamerZx]

You only want to help that one hospital?...

[@alisawilson6342]

I think it's better to start small and help this hospital then start helping other hospitals.

[@betsyslagle5236]

I agree... Perhaps it is like giving a micro-loan. Giving to this hospital and maybe they can help another hospital for example the cpaps they didn't use that were adult sized probably went to an adult hospital where they were

[@VideoNozoki]

You might be right, it was a very moving video about good work in a good hospital. But this is the first of many videos John will post during his trip. I would like to hear all of the ideas and advice he gets from experts. Jumping in with good intentions sometimes leads to unexpected results (1:40-1:50). Let's find out what the most good we can do with our resources is.

[@kolamuse]

This video made me tear up. This woman is an angel.

[@bloodyironist]

This is a video where I wish you'd broken the 4 min rule because I would have loved to see more of the work they are doing.

[@ugottafriend4life]

Beautiful. God bless that woman and all who are fighting to save our babies!

[@프리츠비키]

Happy Birthday to me, a vlogbrother's video showing how it is possible to reach out and help the world, quite a present.

[@nadiact-ie5hy]

Happy birthday!

[@프리츠비키]

thanks :)

[@tazzy191]

Happy Birthday! I hope you have a good one :)

[@Dzejens]

Amazing John. Simply amazing! Thank you for telling the story of Dr. Gessesse to all of us who doesn't swing by Ethiopia regularly.

[@MrDylan2125]

Your face in that helicopter ride was priceless. Video overall was beautiful. My only question: now that we have this information, what are we going to do?

[@alisawilson6342]

There are many options. The easiest one is to go and donate money to the charities that help these people.

[@susandowling9403]

This made me want to cry so much. This is beautiful, seeing all these children being saved.

[@maeve1588]

I actually started tearing up during this. I always want things such as iPads and a laptop and clothing but then I realize that there are people who have absolutely no access to these items and have worse problems then only getting 15 likes on a photo on instagram.

[@rebekahanderson7027]

That final quote sent a shiver down my spine. Thank you for spreading the word of the great need in Ethiopia. We can make a difference.

[@poppehtart]

While you were in Ethiopia, I was in one of the poorest places in the US called Marks. And I know that these places are both on very different scales of poverty, but as you said, I think we do get caught up in helping those causes we see in ads, on tumblr, on billboards, etc. But you never really see the potential needs of those without access to those things. I know my trip was eye opening, and just watching this video, I'm sure yours was too. Good for you for conquering your fear of heights! You should definitely give ziplining a try. Or maybe that can be part of a future punishment? Anyway, I'm definitely inspired to reach further out into communities where little to no attention is given, and just offer any service I can. DFTBA!

[@Jade-pt6ke]

John, I am so glad that I have joined this community because without it I would never in a million years think about hospitals in Ethiopia, and I'm not very proud that it took both you and Hank to open my eyes, but I'm glad it happened and I'm so thankful that people like you exist in this world.

[@morganfudgsiclemonster9106]

I hope that everyone over there right now stays safe from the ebola outbreak. fingers crossed

[@SunyiSideUp]

Hoping very much that it isn't affecting Ethiopia, and won't. Currently, it's affecting West African nations, and Ethiopia is on the other side of the continent. Let's hope that they can contain the outbreak enough that it doesn't spread further.

[@morganfudgsiclemonster9106]

What I meant was that it's a not that long of a trip across the Congo and I'm hoping everyone not just those in reportedly affected areas is doing their part to stay safe.

[@vanessacone6990]

This is one of those moments where I just love Hank and John a lot and all of the great things that surround them

[@lyadmilo]

Don't you think it's also problematic to co-opt their very specific struggle? Like, no, they aren't *your* children. They are their children. That doesn't make them less important. Why do things have to be ours to be of value?

[@davefreier7738]

I think you miss the point. They are "our" children in the sense that they live on the same planet and are members of the human race.

[@vlogbrothers]

The whole idea of "our" children implies children that are not actually mine. My children are my children, not "our" children, unless I'm talking to my wife. -John

[@mushroomshrub]

People always find things closer to them more valuable, it's human nature. Using an inclusive pronoun is a rhetorical technique, a way of getting people to care about a cause and John used it to perfection. Activism is more than just spouting buzzwords, you can yammer on about things being "problematic" 'till the cows come home and it won't make a blind bit of difference. You have to make people _care._ This video does that, as well as being informative and portraying these people as actual human beings, not simply objects for us to pity. The fact you can find that "problematic" to me, just shows how twisted your priorities are.

[@lyadmilo]

I don't think it's a bad video, and spreading awareness is important. But it could be better. Knowing you can be better isn't bad either

[@aimstheotter]

Because his point was that we 'other' people and the idea of other, is that is happening to the other. I see nothing wrong with the challenge of seeing 'other' as us or our. Perhaps people shouldn't need to see other people's children as ours in order to help, but whilst the idea of 'other' continues to make it easy for people to ignore need, why not encourage a more familial language?

[@oliviah5651]

It astounds and overwhelms me how amazing people like Dr. Mulualem Gessesse are thinking of such innovative technology without having basic resources. How cool is she! Thanks John.

[@MrDoubleD97]

Dear person who disliked this video: What is wrong with you?!

[@alisawilson6342]

The three people who disliked this are trolls who didn't watch the video or read the title.

[@alecwinner]

Or perhaps they have genuine problems with the video, like the appropriation of the struggles of Ethiopian children, the unnecessary capitalistic addition of 'they will become productive' and other such problems. (btw i didn't dislike the video, but i understand why someone would)

[@tuseroni]

Alec Wilde is drawing attention to a problem "appropriation"? and if so is there anything anyone can do or would that also be "appropriation"? i'm sure those in ethiopia would be more than happy with this kind of "appropriation"

[@Michael-rt2tl]

Kappa

[@tggt00]

Hello there Mr. Kappa

[@Wendygirljp]

Mr. Green (out of respect for your fantastic work), you have made an extremely impactful video which combines the necessity to care for one another as well as to bring awareness to how we ARE all interconnected as we spin around the sun on this little blue marble we call Earth. Well done, young man! Thank you!

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

Amazing, John

[@kimbo7100]

This sort of thing is exactly why I'm working in the medical field. Thank you John for showing people how creative and wonderful doctors and nurses can be.

[@MammaMia]

Wasn't there an ad campaign somewhere that had posters of atrocities on like England streets? The slogan was "Just because it's not happening here doesn't mean it's not happening." It's terrible to know there are people that just brush off other countries as not being part of their world. I mean have your priorities but it's still REAL

[@Valmy77]

This is what works: solutions created by the people on the ground who understand the situation. Great work by the Gates foundation working with the locals!

[@DB-dd8hu]

Its weird I just got back from Africa and I found some of this is true, but i also found something weird that while they are poor...the people there are very joyful and so its weird to call them poor.

[@DB-dd8hu]

Sounds strange but has anyone else found this?

[@jnyerere]

Dan, do what Ethan did and be more specific. If it sounds stupid for a German to say he just got back from North America then it sounds stupid for an American to say that he just got back from Africa. More specific please...

[@sweetsakana]

and now I am crying...so many feels. Thank you John for making us more aware

[@bballercheetahfan3]

Could you guys do a video on israel-palestine conflict?

[@Tytoalba777]

They already did, like two years ago. While it's not on the current outbreak of conflict, it does give background which still greatly implies to the current outbreak

[@vaibhavgupta20]

Can I request a link please.

[@Tytoalba777]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWmtnGShpbCpnNU sorry, it was from five years ago, but as I said the information still applies

[@lissy42nerdfighter]

This request was actually what prompted Hank's "I don't know" video. It's a very complicated issue that there's really no black and white to.

[@bballercheetahfan3]

James A Clouder wow its almost a repeat of the situation now.

[@notmalaria]

John, thank you so much for sharing your time abroad with us and inviting us on this journey. That was amazing. I can't wait to see what else this trip had in store for you!

[@jeremiahholmes5360]

Bill's smile says, " Yes, I DO have my own helicopter. DEAL with it..." >:D

[@oilers000]

This is a eye opener. Great job John!

[@elsalolz]

Can we help to make more Dr Gassesses exist please?

[@rayhs1984]

Richard Cabrera Sorry, but I find it hilarious that your auto-correct changed medical to medieval. Seems some how appropriate

[@icantskip]

Thank you Dr. Gessesse . You are a hero.

[@lynntieu3002]

How do we help?

[@CelestialGoddess92]

What an incredible woman and obviously a compassionate and talented doctor. I wish I could hug her.

[@davidshi451]

How did John get to go on this trip anyway? What was the context?

[@rayhs1984]

John (and Project 4 Awesome) is a huge supporter of "Save the Children" who started the kangaroo mother care program and The Gates Foundation funds the hospital.

[@rayhs1984]

John was there for STC and Bill was there for his charity.

[@davidshi451]

Really?! Wow, that's awesome!

[@AlliCrumley]

I look forward to the stories you have to tell. Thank you for sharing this one.

[@user-xk2st7fd1f]

Yeah, I feel like with countries there is a weird pride and ignorance, in that each country is for themselves. This isn't a bad thing, but sometimes people within those countries get a bit carried away, and think of other countries babies as "their" babies, and not "our" babies. Sometimes, having different countries, while not bad, can put up a boarder and separate us from eachother, making us forget that yes, while we do have different religion, rac, tradition and nationalities, we are, in the end, all human.

[@RhiannonLee96]

This is the happiest and most inspiring thing I have heard all day, despite the crap conditions they have been given to work in just knowing that someone out there is changing the world one baby at a time makes me proud to be alive. If only more of us could be as awe inspiring as the doctor you could only imagine what changes could happen in the world!!

[@1shadoow1]

Why is Ethiopia one of the poorest countries?

[@MJ4829]

A more simple answer would be: life. A LOT of poor countries are poor mostly due to greed and corruption within their government. You should watch his video about the book 'Behind the Beautiful Forevers'. Explains a little bit about poverty in developing countries and so on. It's sad really.

[@zemichael3697]

Mr Kucera, why are you NOT a millionaire? Answer this first and I will answer your brilliant question.

[@TheNicomaReviews]

most African countries are fairly poor because (understand that this is a massive generalization) they primarily existed as colonies until after World War II. When the war was over, many countries abandoned colonies in favor of self-preservation. These countries have not had time to properly develop and exist in a modern setting to be lucrative. Again, big generalization, but fairly correct if I do say so myself.

[@animewow311]

***** Actually, Ethiopia wasn't a colony from any European power, it was conquered by Mussolini before WWII, but it was for a short period of time. I will take the risk of saying that may be the reason for Ethiopia to be particularly poor even among African countries, It never received attention or help by the Europeans because they didn't care about whatever wasn't theirs. I hope I'm wrong anyhow, the sole idea of a nation being poor just because that's the price of freedom is horrible.

[@1shadoow1]

Sunta Sunte Why I'm not a millionaire? With me its simple. I'm a lazy F*uck :-D but I'm sure you didn't mean to say that everyone who is poor is worse than lazy, Am i right?

[@aisatsanaw]

John, you are just so smart. Thank you for enlightening all of us.

[@relrel310]

Do I smell a new John Green book based in Ethiopia?

[@jaybooker3445]

I hope not. As Chimamanda Adiche said through her novel, Half of a Yellow Sun, there are certain people who can write novels about Africa. Africans. White people have an culturally-gained inability to view non-white cultures as normal, glorifying them and never seeing them for what they truly are, normal. We have to insert some sort of otherness into non-white cultures. John Green and white authors need to stay away fro African stories. The politics is too complex for anyone but Africans to understand - the racism and white apathy that contributed to massacres surrounding the likes of Biafra/Nigeria and the Igbo, as they have lived these politics. We're just being exposed to it.

[@jasonschneijder2012]

Now you're getting racist...

[@bgiuliano68]

Particularly if John decided to write a book about a white man who visits Africa. He clearly has experience in that realm

[@AbbyEndy]

Jay Booker agreed!! I certainly appreciate white authors (and people in general) making efforts to understand though.

[@CitizenOfNeverland]

Jay Booker, have you read The Poisonwood Bible? I thought it was quite brilliant in it's portrayal of Africa while on the viewpoint of a white American, written by a white American, Barbra Kingsolver.

[@TheUrszulat]

Terrific! Dr Gessesse is a very impressive person. Good work ;-)