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In the early 1900s, a British newspaper posed a sweeping question to prominent thinkers: What’s wrong with the world? It was a time of rapid industrialization, growing cities, widening class divides, and political uncertainty. Old social structures were straining under modern pressures, and many people sensed that something fundamental had gone off course. The question wasn’t asked lightly—it reflected a collective anxiety about where society was heading and who, if anyone, was responsible.

One writer’s reply stood out for its simplicity. G.K. Chesterton, an English writer, philosopher, and social critic, responded with just two words: “Dear Sir, I am.” Chesterton (1874–1936) was known for his wit, moral reasoning, and ability to challenge both social and political conventions without aligning strictly with any ideology. Living through industrialization, urbanization, and the decline of traditional social structures, he argued that personal responsibility and self-examination were the foundation for meaningful change. In an era when long essays and scholarly arguments were common, his answer cut through the noise. Chesterton wasn’t denying the existence of injustice or suffering. He was pointing to something deeper: before blaming systems, institutions, or other people, we should first examine our own hearts, choices, and responsibilities. His response reframed the question from what’s wrong out there to what’s wrong in here.

Fast forward more than half a century to President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address in 1961. The world again felt unstable—Cold War tensions, nuclear threats, and global inequality loomed large. Kennedy’s now-famous line echoed a similar inward turn: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” While delivered on a much larger stage, the principle was the same. Progress does not begin with demands alone, but with personal contribution and shared responsibility.

Both moments remind us of an important balance. Acknowledging what is broken in the world matters. Anger, frustration, and grief can be valid responses to injustice or decline. Anger can identify the problem; responsibility is what solves it. When critique turns only outward, it can harden into bitterness or helplessness. When paired with ownership and action, it becomes fuel for meaningful change.

Looking inward does not mean excusing broken systems or ignoring real harm. It is not a call to accept injustice, but a refusal to surrender agency. You can name what is broken and decide to become harder to break. Don’t stop at identifying the problem—build something that forces change.

That might look like building skills that make you indispensable, financial stability that gives you leverage, physical and mental strength that sharpens judgment, or community ties that create collective momentum. Systems respond to pressure, and pressure comes from capable, organized people who endure longer than outrage cycles.

Ordinary individuals can also influence change in practical ways: getting involved in local government, supporting and promoting local businesses, volunteering in community programs, mentoring younger generations, advocating for public policies that improve their neighborhoods, and voting consistently in local and national elections. As an example, just as simply as we can put it: 90 million eligible voters did not vote in the last presidential election, 85 million in the 2020 election, 100 million in the 2016 election, and what is worse, on average only 20% of eligible voters vote in their local elections. These actions combine personal responsibility with concrete contributions to society.

The world has changed dramatically since 1900 and 1961, but the invitation remains the same: if we want things to be better, part of the work begins with us. From the inspiration of Chesterton and Kennedy, small steps, thoughtful choices, and everyday acts of care can ripple outward in ways we may never fully see. By focusing on what we can do in our own lives and communities, we contribute to a kinder, more connected world.