It saddens me to hear the reports that Greg Mortensen, founder of Central Asian Institute (CAI) and author of the acclaimed book Three Cups of Tea and Stones Into Schools isn’t the humanitarian hero we thought him to be.
…last Sunday’s 60 Minutes broadcast and a thorough exposé by Jon Krakauer provide convincing evidence for some serious allegations:
- That some of the most important, inspiring stories in Mortenson’s nonfiction books—stories that provide the foundation for his whole mission—fall somewhere on the spectrum between greatly exaggerated and completely invented.
- That Mortenson’s charity, the Central Asia Institute (CAI) lacks sufficient transparency and oversight.
- That some not insignificant number of schools Mortenson claims to have built in Afghanistan and Pakistan either aren’t being supported by CAI, aren’t being used as schools, or don’t exist at all.
I really enjoyed reading both of Mortensen’s books – his story and work inspired me. A simple guy that ended up becoming a development big-shot. I’ll stay my final judgement until the proverbial dust has settled, but it seems pretty clear that he’s been less than truthful. Disappointing, and makes me think:
Inspiration, without discipline and integrity, is a house of cards.
What are some other lessons can we learn from this?
HT: Aidwatch
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
agreed
total bummer…
I’m very disappointed with this revelation, too. I suppose the inspiration I experienced while reading the books is still valuable and valid. It exposes a deep need and brokenness in Greg’s life.