Alexamateo
14th September 2009, 02:21
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/14/business/energy-environment/14borlaug.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
Many men are called great, but only a few truly are. This man has probably done more for the betterment of mankind than any person who has ever lived. If you have never heard of him, read up on his fascinating story.
He was widely described as the father of the broad agricultural movement called the Green Revolution, though decidedly reluctant to accept the title. “A miserable term,” he said, characteristically shrugging off any air of self-importance.
Yet his work had a far-reaching impact on the lives of millions of people in developing countries. His breeding of high-yielding crop varieties helped to avert mass famines that were widely predicted in the 1960s, altering the course of history. Largely because of his work, countries that had been food deficient, like Mexico and India, became self-sufficient in producing cereal grains.
“More than any other single person of this age, he has helped provide bread for a hungry world,” the Nobel committee in presenting him with the Peace Prize. “We have made this choice in the hope that providing bread will also give the world peace.”
Many men are called great, but only a few truly are. This man has probably done more for the betterment of mankind than any person who has ever lived. If you have never heard of him, read up on his fascinating story.
He was widely described as the father of the broad agricultural movement called the Green Revolution, though decidedly reluctant to accept the title. “A miserable term,” he said, characteristically shrugging off any air of self-importance.
Yet his work had a far-reaching impact on the lives of millions of people in developing countries. His breeding of high-yielding crop varieties helped to avert mass famines that were widely predicted in the 1960s, altering the course of history. Largely because of his work, countries that had been food deficient, like Mexico and India, became self-sufficient in producing cereal grains.
“More than any other single person of this age, he has helped provide bread for a hungry world,” the Nobel committee in presenting him with the Peace Prize. “We have made this choice in the hope that providing bread will also give the world peace.”