The work of the Open Society Foundations is infinitely complex. I have been a part of the Open Society family since 1996, when the foundation in South Africa began to support work I was developing with then Minister of Justice Dullah Omar, but I only began to appreciate the breadth and depth of the Foundations when I was appointed to my present post in December of last year. Since then, I have searched for ways to convey in the simplest terms that fascinating complexity. I’ve wanted to capture in words and images the emotions as well as the facts, the passions as well as the strategies, and the ethics as well as the histories that make the Open Society enterprise so impressive. But how?
One answer is film. The gifted director, Jesse Dylan, has pieced together fragments taken from dozens of interviews to create a brief, powerful introduction to the Open Society Foundations. Even those who have worked with the Foundations for many years will likely find something new here, as well as reminders of much that is familiar. Recently, when I showed the film to members of the board of our U.S. Programs, a long-time member commented that he hadn’t known almost any of what he saw in the film. Perhaps you will have a similar reaction. Or perhaps you will see friends and colleagues describing ambitions that have compelled you, too. However familiar or new you find it, I hope the film captures something of what has brought you into this family, too: what has led you to work toward the ideal of an open society in your own community, and to get engaged.
119 Comments
Thank you for sharing the video and the information. It is very knowledgeable.
George Soros you are wonderful and good job
The work of George Soros and now Mr. Stone is
wonderfull. Thanks to God it is a light in the evil news that we hear each day. Thanks to You too. You are not
only speaking but working.
But a little question remains. What about the companies
of Mr. Soros? Are they engaged (if they are ever) nowadays in such deals
which brought the finance crisis and so much sorrow and death for the world? I do not think about former
times.
Many regards
werner
Thanks a lot .I complently agree with the ideal of open society,I think it means equal rights and opportunities to everyone witch are very attractive to me.Would you please tell me how I can join in this family ?
Africa,particularly Malawi needs your goals and insight for it to forge ahead.How can we participate as an NGO.
It is so enheartening in these truly lowering times to hear the voices and see the faces of so many committed to the Open Society and its vision of opening minds
First congratulation for this excellent film and if I answer to the question "what is Open Society"? It's because the principles of Open Society are in accord with my great quest for change to make the world a better place and also it is my idea of an ideal more human society, and your film inspired me to answer your quetion, What is the Open Society?
The concept of Open Society was originaly developed in 1932 by French philosopher Henri Bergson. Then in 1945 by Austrian Karl Popper one of the greatest philosopher of science, social and politics of the 20th century, an advocate and defender of the Open Society, opponent of all forms of conventionalism and relativism in science and in human affairs, he is an implacable critic of totalitarism in all its forms.All the threads are interconnected in the various elements of his philosophy in its unity.
POPPER: "If a single ferous metal is unaffected by a magnetic field it cannot be the case that all ferous metals are affected by magnetic fields." This is good critical thinking.
EINSTEIN: "There is no logical path leading to (the highly universal laws of science)they can only be reached by intuition, based upon something like an intellectual love of the objects of expirience."
For Popper theories, must go beyond existing knowledge for the growth of human intelligence and therefore require a leap of the imagination together with the ability of critical thinking on which Christopher Stone is already working at it very efficiently.
For Popper emphasis is on the importance of the critical spirit to science but also critical thinking is the essence of rationality; it is the key insight which unifies and integrates the broad spectrum of his thought with the goal of eliminating human misery and suffering to the highest possible degree, a positive task of increasing social and personal happiness. Who unlike the state are rarely in position to subvert the rights of others in the pursuit of "idealized objectives."
Monsieur Soros also thinks very highly of Frederick Hayek also born in Austria (1899-1992) Hayek shared the Nobel Memorial Prize in economic sciences for his "pioneering work in the theory of money and economic fluctuations-and penetrating analysis of the independence of economic, social and institutional phenomena"
SOROS: "Without basic legal empowerment, the poor live an uncertain existence, in fear of depravation, displacement and dispossession, strengthening the rule of law is more important than ever, poverty will be defeated when the law works for everyone."
CHRISTOPHER STONE: "As of 2012 a pilot project began; more than 120 teachers have gone through training leading to apply "critical thinking" as a result, students are researching diverse sources with different points of views thus becoming part of a rich debate, and recognize the value of critical thinking as a part of active democratic citizenship."
In my youth I was a great admirer of Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) "SOCIAL CONTRACT." "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains, those who think themselves the masters of others are indeed greater slaves than they." Like Open Society Rousseau claimed that power should be in the hands of the people, as he makes a sharp distinction between the (sovereign, rule of law) and the (government, enforcing general will). He is of course aware that men have selfish and sectional interests which will lead them to oppress others. We need courage and imagination, and new ways to apply the futuristic ideas of the Open Society to which I wish all the best,
Claire Costom
Great men, great ideas!!
Thank you for your efforts in being the change you want to see in the world.
Dear Monsieur Soros,
I would be honored if you would take the time to answer a few questions....I read all about your Euro point of views which I find brillante by the way.... In 20 days US is having the elections and I wonder... if Obama wins, will Congress accept a sincere cooperation or block any constructive balanced initiative from Obama... not to make him too dangerously popular and what do you think of James Tobin's theory also a Noble prize in economics of the caliber of your favorite Hayek? And if it is Romney who wins what would happen to those poor 47% he made the huge mistake of denying them his attention... openly... where is his human rights here? I value your predictions, thanks,
Claire Costom
Humanity will never completely agree on anything; but, for my money, healthy communities are defined by having defined, shared, positive goals (however mundane or abstract). Whether on our street, town, nation or planet, these characteristics define the path to 'success', and an open society must respect these, wherever they occur. But when a community (of whatever size) fails to define its goals, or they are not shared by its members, or (worst of all) the goals are negative (defining themselves by what they are opposed to, rather than what they are FOR), it carries the seeds of its own demise, either by closing in on itself, or fragmenting - both of which are fodder for the enemies of an open society.
Although i bumped to the Web site of the foundation reading the last book of Mr Soros about the European economical crisis, i watched the video and i schould say that i found it really interesting.
I appreciated this retrospective and prospective on where the Open Society Foundations have been and are going. When we started in the human rights field nine years ago, OSI was the first foundation to back our work, more than a year ahead of other donors. And since then, we have often looked to OSI as the source of partners and users, a donor for human rights needs not easily funded elsewhere, and a source of constructive challenges to increase our positive impact on society. Thank you, and forward!
Jim Fruchterman
Benetech
I have followed the work of the Open Society Foundations for many years with great interest and appreciation, especially for its work in former socialist republics. The introductory video is great for people who know nothing about the work. For those of us who know something, it is wonderful to see the faces, hear the voices and see the moment of people we may only have known from their photographs and statements in the annual reports. What I missed in the film (and what I think is a very powerful communications tool) were the deeper descriptions of projects and photos of the people who benefit from them.
During my last year of university (2011), I took a course in Russian History which was taught by an assistant professor from Moldavia. We were discussing the changes that had come about in former Soviet satellites and republics. All kinds of things - both meritorious and non-meritorious - were mentioned until we came to a period of silence. I said, "... and I don't think we can under estimate the work of the Open Society Foundation there."
The professor smiled and said, "Indeed! I am a product of that work."
Keep it up!
I truly appreciate the global focus that OSF has taken toward human rights, but as a Baltimore native and former police office there, I am partial to the energy devoted to my home town. Baltimore, like many US cities, has been decimated by decades of urban and human decay resulting from the loss of industry, poorly supported and performing schools, few meaningful and effective social support programs and problematic policing strategies to name a few.
Thank you OSF for setting up camp in a place that I unfortunately refer to as "ground zero." That place is Baltimore.
The Open Society is implementing great efforts as it were. Nevertheless I am concerned that these steps shun the appreciation of the ultimate and spiritual and Man's relationship with this Ideal. I am interested in working with the OSF in the area of social and economic uplift especially in the underdeveloped world... I hope to learn a lot too. Best wishes.
This film and the Open Society messages are great sources of inspiration. Civil rights related philanthropy are always an uphill battle, often taking a position against the government or the ruling party of the respective country/geo/regime. It is one of the hardest paths to traverse. This is one among the many reasons why civil rights related philanthropic contributions are truly several steps ahead of other forms of philanthropy. It is very admirable and honorable.
Professor Soros should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, National Medal of Honor for Civil Rights, a series of Honorary Doctorates (in Civil Rights) from reputable Universities -- to name a few.
I've always thought George Soros deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
Karl Popper would have been proud of his student, George Soros, who has put the model of the Open Society into practice. I'm glad that Popper failed to understand Soros' concept of "reflexivity." Had he done so, Mr. Soros might have become just another philosopher.
I was inspired by this video.
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