Perspectives of Humanity

Tracy Kidder’s book is more than just an inspirational, heartwarming, and motivational biography of Deogratias. It also speaks volumes about the hardships and human misery that occur in war-torn countries. It describes the plight of refugees. It depicts the atrocities of savages emerging from the carnage and anarchy of civil unrest. Tracy’s readers are drawn into the war and then out of it into a new city through a masterful display of talent and creative ability. In summary, the book is a genius and genuine tale of a man who overcame adversity to be in a place many people only dreamed of.

Humanity is considered as kindness and compassion to a fellow being. The tale of Deo highlights various instances whereby humanity and lack thereof has been seen and practiced. Deo survives genocides in both Rwanda and Burundi, fighting constantly and always on the run from people who want to kill him. Finally, through the help of a schoolmate, he receives a business visa to the United States. This was luck unlike any other. He is saved from the treacherous war. Despite this streak of good luck, he is again thrown into a sea of troubles. He is vexed by the new language he is made to learn. He cannot find his way around the new territory that is New York and the many stops he made on the plane ride. Nonetheless, the resilient young man battled disease, mistreatment, trauma, threats, poverty, and homelessness with a warrior’s strength. Like a fairy tale, Deo’s story ends happily as he fulfills his dream of becoming a doctor and goes back to help his people. Deo’s life was plagued by many bad times but in all, he kept on moving striving and with assistance from well-wishers, he finally pulled through. Such circumstances sway one to have hope in what humanity has to offer. Just like in the Pandora’s Box after the bad comes hope.

Humanity is seen right from the start. The only way Deogratias gets to leave the bloody carnage that is Burundi is due to assistance from a friend. He had seen very little kindness in the time he had spent running from people who seemed to want nothing but harm come to him. He had to leap over thousands of dead bodies killed in the most harrowing ways. This act of kindness was the first. After the book is filled with massacre and vengeance it is a breath of fresh air to see that out of the smoke and machetes there was a person kind enough to stretch a helping hand.

Mohammed, the first friend in the life of this young man, brings more hope that humanity can be good though crude and violent at times. Without knowing who the Burundi French-speaking man was he took him in. He helped him get settled, learn how to save, make his way around the city, put a roof over his head, food in his mouth, get acquaintances who assisted where and when they could, and finally enabled him to get a job. Like the Russian journalist, Mohammed would have done his part and left Deo to fend for himself. Instead, he went a step further and showed what humanity is and was kind. The world is full of dangerous places and people but he protected him. He did not have much to offer but he was there like a true friend to Deo. Even when he went back to his country he tried to leave Deo in safe hands. Even the main character Deo once viewed him in comparison to a family member.

Like a ray of sunshine in the darkness and mist that had become Deogratias’ life Sharon appeared. In her persistence, she was able to secure a home, an education, and legal documentation to stay in the US for Deo. Even when he did not want her assistance she kept on hunting for aid for him. He was someone she could talk to. Back then he was not well conversant with English. The language barrier got him ridiculed and kept him from human interaction. She could speak French though not impeccable but it was nice to talk to someone. For someone to be that interested in a person after hearing and seeing his helplessness is a true mark of humanity. It shows that in adversity there will always be hope to latch on. Even after numerous rejections she still went on with her quest to help a man she barely knew.

Charlie and Nancy are other pillars that restore hope in the people of this world. They made the life, the man and the inspiration that Deo has come to be. They gave him the ability to fulfill his dreams. The couple welcomed him into their house and helped him go through university at Columbia. As much as they could they gave him financial support. They allowed him to use their resources such as the phone when he learned that his parents were alive. All the while they did not mind the bills that were as a result of the long overseas phone calls. Call it luck call, it fate but most of all call it philanthropy and benevolence.

The Senegalese workers’ small actions of kindness have helped in restoring hope in humanity. They helped Deo find a safe place to keep his belongings. These were very important to him since they defined his entire identity. The men and women also ensured that he has a place to shower and use other facilities. When without cause or gain one offers to help a person simply because they are in need then that is hope for humanity restored.

Of all the characters, Deogratias restores most of the hope in humanity. It is because of his strength in character. Even at the bleakest of moments, he rises above the waves. When being mistreated he put on a brave smile and worked himself hard. He saved as much as he could to send his parents money so as to rebuild their lives. He is a survivor. He trekked for days in the forests trying hard to escape the militia. He battled mistreatment with a smile. He did not break in the torture and the loss of dignity that he was put through.

He worked hard in every task that he undertook. From his school work to his job at the grocery store and the nursing home, he was honest at all times and thought that racial inclination or tribal prejudice was insane. He was generous of heart; this is seen in his relationship with the patients at the hospital in Burundi and at the nursing home.

As always said, actions speak louder than words, and as a final act of what humanity that can be categorized as the most refined and in its finest form, he went back home. He went to Burundi to help his people, to aid in the repair of his broken nation. This was not because of the hardships he experienced and cruelty he faced in America, but rather due to love, patriotism and the desire to help his own. Nothing in the world shouts more of the character of humanity than this act of selflessness. Due to the outlined factors and incidences, a conclusion can be made emphasizing that hope in humanity is restored.