How to Begin Changing the World: An Intellectual Journey of Vision, Adaptation, and Innovation

How do we change the world? It's a bold question—one that often starts from an assumption of power and grandiosity. But here’s the kicker: maybe we’ve been asking it wrong all along. Instead of thinking about how to change the world, we should consider how we can be part of a larger movement toward positive change—how we can be instruments in a system that moves the world in a better direction.

To believe that any one person holds the power to change the world is a misstep. It’s not about power, but about being present, observing problems, and using the smallest opportunities to shift the course of the world’s journey. Real change doesn’t come from imposing will upon the world, but from understanding, innovating, and collaborating with others.

Questioning the World from the Beginning

Real change starts with challenging yourself—questioning the norms you’re presented with from a young age. It’s not about rebelling against authority or the system for the sake of it, but about critically analysing the way things work. Whether it's math problems, societal rules, or the everyday social challenges you face, each question asked is a step toward understanding how the world operates and where it can be improved.

When I was head boy at a Catholic school in Oxford, England, I used to offer younger students a metaphor for their time in school. I told them to think of it like an airplane journey. Before the flight, you're dealing with all sorts of challenges—baggage checks, nerves about missing the flight (those lost opportunities). During the flight, you may experience smooth skies or encounter turbulence. But ultimately, you’ll land.

The point? Life, like that journey, is filled with challenges and opportunities. If you’re asking yourself how to make your journey smoother or more impactful, you need to start with how you think about those challenges. Do you absorb problems passively or approach them head-on, seeking to innovate along the way?

Read more on my medium - https://medium.com/@pelekamoyor/how-to-begin-changing-the-world-an-intellectual-journey-of-vision-adaptation-and-innovation-42b3634cdacd