The problems of the world are too big for me. I start trying to solve those with the people and communities I am involved in and know something about (i.e. how to solve their problems).
I hope, perhaps naively, the goodwill and network effect propagates and the sum of the whole is greater than that of its parts and certainly that of my initial action.
>The problems of the world are too big for me.
I would argue that the problems might be too big but they do have simple solutions. For example take microfinance. The problem this industry is attacking is lack of banking facilities for the poor. The problem is huge but the solution is simple and not too hard to scale. Similarly, don't you think that once we figure out the right model at the fundamental level, it shouldn't be hard to scale up rapidly?
>It’s the best I can do and stay sane.
I don't know how attacking bigger problems prevents you from being sane. In fact, you become saner as you get out of your comfort shell and experience what world has to offer.
I actually come from, and worked in, Bangladesh where the first micro-finance schemes really evolved and took off i.e. Grameen (http://www.grameen-info.org) founded by Muhammad Yunus.
The solution is by no means simple or even scalable with ease (hence the Noble Prize he won), and each country really has its own set of issues/culture/ politics/other that play big factors.
Taking micro-finance and Bangladesh as an example, you have remember most parts of the country (and in most countries where poverty and hunger and such related issues are rife) is very rural and most people have much difficulty even understanding banking let alone going to banks, which are few and far between (would you travel for one day to go to a bank or work to feed your family?), and even then there are so many sub-issues that need to be addressed.
Ultimately solutions (in any scenario) work when those people affected take ownership and become actively involved.
RE Sanity:
Sometimes big problems are overwhelming and it is actually easier/better to solve smaller problems first that solve specific needs (just like in startup mantra).
My thoughts came down to doing what was feasible within my constraints (I wish I was like Dr. Yunus, but alas). For those that care, this was to setup some mills to help farmer in local village area process their grain for almost free, and fisheries to help provide an alternate source of income/food for poor communities that was sustainable and required little/no effort.
The network effect has been others have now started doing similar community-based things which is helping to raise standard of living of all concerned and in the (localised) wider area.
I don't think setting up Microfinance is simple at all. I would rather have studied the stuff in depth before I tackle it (economics, that is).
So far, I am not even fully convinced that Microfinance really improves peoples lives. OK, the Nobel price for that one guy might be an indication, but it is not proof. It could still just be a scam.
Then, how do I deal with legal situation on location? There might be civil wars, communism, dictators and what not getting in the way. How do I estimate who is worthy of credit? I don't even speak any weird languages, so I probably couldn't even communicate with the poor..
Honestly, I don't know about the country you live in. But here in India there are tons of problems needing to be solved. You name a problem - hunger, poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, etc. - and India has it. But despite that, it is surprising that many Indian entrepreneurs are focusing on web2.0 me too startups. Perhaps they can better utilize their time by learning things and doing stuff which helps the country and makes money for them.
I live in Germany. I don't think we have the kind of problems you have in India, but of course there are plenty of problems to solve in Germany, too. We do have some homeless people, for example, but I think the cause is usually physical and mental illness, nothing I could help with (I think).
Another problem is that just because I have some money on the bank, doesn't mean I am not still struggling for survival myself. I have wanted for a while to dedicate part of my time to helping the needy, but atm I don't even find the time for my startup aspirations while I work to pay the bills.
Also, I think if an Indian entrepreneur is successful with a web 2.0 startup, it might still improve lots of people's lives, as it strengthens the economy.
I hope with access to internet technology and cheap hardware people in poorer countries are able to increase thier standard of living.
In India, people are focused on web2.0/internet as they know the benefits of being in a global market are much greater and compared to the localised costs (of living, hardware, currency), they only need to make a small impact to create a large dividend.
Also, after years of tech outsourcing, many are most skilled in this area. If they had been involved in years of finance or legal outsourcing (or any other service-based model) then they would do things in those fields. Essentially as humans, we as a whole tend to stick with what we know?
I hope, perhaps naively, the goodwill and network effect propagates and the sum of the whole is greater than that of its parts and certainly that of my initial action.
It’s the best I can do and stay sane.