Swandeh Terhide

George Smith, a distinguished emeritus professor of biology at the University of Missouri, has made headlines not just for winning the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry but for his remarkable decision to donate his entire $250,000 prize to benefit students. This generous act aims to establish the Missouri Nobel Scholarship Fund, specifically designed for students within the College of Arts and Sciences at his university. In a recent community event, Smith shared his thoughts on the significance of education, stating, “This might surprise some people, but my first degree was actually a bachelor of arts, not a bachelor of science. My liberal arts education was the springboard for a lifetime of learning and cultural engagement. My wife and I hope that supporting the liberal arts as a whole will enrich the lives of future MU students, whatever careers they choose.” His commitment to fostering a rich educational environment reflects his belief in the transformative power of education. In appreciative recognition of Smith’s generosity, the University of Missouri committed an additional $300,000 to the scholarship fund. Chancellor Alexander N. Cartwright announced a new tradition whereby the university will donate $100,000 for every faculty member who wins a Nobel Prize, with Smith being the inaugural recipient of this initiative. Cartwright expressed admiration for Smith’s humility and generosity, emphasizing how such contributions enable more students to experience world-class education at MU. Smith’s Nobel Prize was awarded for his pioneering work in phage display, a groundbreaking technique that allows researchers to screen and harvest molecules for targeting bacteria. This innovative method has had far-reaching implications in laboratories around the globe and has facilitated advancements in medical treatments, including therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Despite his monumental achievements, Smith remains grounded. After returning from the Nobel ceremony in Sweden, he humorously noted that having a designated space on the campus bike rack—since he bikes to work daily—was more rewarding than receiving the substantial prize money. Through his scholarship fund and continued dedication to education, George Smith exemplifies how one can leverage personal success to create opportunities for future generations. His actions honor his own educational journey and also inspire countless students to pursue their dreams with the support they need to succeed.

Across diverse cultures and nations, the perception of wisdom is increasingly recognized as intertwined with empathy. A recent study explored how individuals across 16 distinct cultures—from Japan to Morocco—view wisdom not merely as a function of logic or reflection, but as a profound understanding of others’ feelings and perspectives. Wisdom, often revered as a quintessential human trait, transcends mere intelligence or accumulated knowledge. It is characterized by the emotional resonance it evokes, suggesting that true wisdom is deeply rooted in empathy. Researchers from the University of Waterloo sought to create a comprehensive framework for wise behavior and character by examining perceptions of wisdom in 12 countries across five continents. The findings reveal that individuals deemed wise are often assessed based on two critical dimensions: reflective orientation and socio-emotional awareness. Reflective orientation encompasses logical thinking, emotional regulation, and the application of knowledge. In contrast, socio-emotional awareness emphasizes care for others’ feelings and attentiveness to social contexts. Dr. Maksim Rudnev, the study’s lead author, noted that these dimensions emerged consistently across all cultural regions studied, highlighting a universal framework for understanding wisdom. While reflective orientation is often regarded as more significant in defining wisdom, the study underscores that socio-emotional awareness is equally vital. Dr. Igor Grossmann pointed out that without the ability to reflect logically, even those who are socio-emotionally competent may not be perceived as wise. This suggests that empathy is not just an ancillary trait but a fundamental component of wisdom itself. The collaboration involved 2,707 participants from various socio-economic backgrounds who evaluated individuals—including scientists and politicians—faced with complex decisions lacking clear right or wrong answers. Participants rated both themselves and these exemplars of wisdom, revealing an interesting dynamic: individuals often viewed themselves as less reflective than those they considered wise but felt more confident about their socio-emotional skills. Understanding how wisdom is perceived globally has profound implications for leadership and education. It emphasizes the necessity of integrating empathy into our definitions of wisdom. As societies grapple with complex challenges, recognizing that true wisdom encompasses not only cognitive abilities but also a deep emotional connection to others may foster more effective leadership and collaborative solutions. In conclusion, this study illuminates empathy as an essential pillar of wisdom. As we navigate increasingly interconnected societies, cultivating empathy can enhance our understanding of others and ultimately lead to wiser decision-making and more compassionate communities.

Today, discussions around mental health and platforms like Facebook often carry a negative connotation. However, a recent incident in Lucknow, India, highlights a more positive aspect of technology’s role in mental health intervention. An AI system developed by Meta alerted local authorities about a young woman in distress, potentially saving her life. The 23-year-old woman was reportedly heartbroken over her husband’s abandonment and posted a video on Facebook that resembled a suicide note, with a noose ominously visible. As the video gained traction online, Meta’s AI flagged her post and sent an alert to the Social Media Center of the Lucknow Police, providing them with her approximate location. Police officer swiftly responded and managed to engage the woman in conversation, ultimately persuading her to remove the noose. Although she declined protective custody, the police have maintained contact with her to ensure her safety. This situation underscores the dual nature of AI as both a tool for intervention and a reminder of the human emotions it interacts with. While companies like Meta and others develop AI systems to monitor social media for signs of suicidal intent—flagging hundreds of posts daily—it’s crucial to remember that these technologies are only as effective as the empathy and kindness we embed within their frameworks. AI’s potential for positive outcomes is significant; however, it is essential to approach its use with a foundation of kindness. For instance, AI systems that engage users with compassionate messages have shown promising results. Companies like Samurai Labs send supportive messages to individuals flagged for suicidal thoughts, offering resources and encouragement. Research indicates that kindness not only enhances AI performance but also fosters better human-AI interactions. Incorporating kindness into our interactions with technology can lead to improved outcomes across various applications. Studies have demonstrated that polite communication with AI can yield better responses and foster more productive engagements. This principle extends beyond mere efficiency; it speaks to the core of our humanity. As we navigate an increasingly digital landscape, embracing kindness is paramount—not just towards each other but also towards the tools we create. The absence of kindness can push individuals to their limits, emphasizing the need for compassion in all aspects of life. The story from Lucknow serves as a poignant reminder: while AI can be a powerful ally in addressing mental health crises, it is ultimately our commitment to kindness that will foster healing and connection in our communities.

A 77-year-old woman was saved from a precarious situation earlier this week, thanks to a man aptly named Chris Miracle. Chris, who works for his family’s towing business in Manntown, Florida, was on duty around 2 AM when he spotted flashing lights through the brush while driving. Initially focused on avoiding deer, he felt compelled to turn around after driving a mile past the lights, sensing something was amiss. Upon returning, Miracle discovered a car partially submerged in a creek about 40 yards from the road, with its hazard lights flashing. Inside, he found the elderly woman, who explained that she had veered off the road due to an adverse reaction to her medication. Without a cell phone to call for help, she had turned on her hazard lights and waited for assistance. Miracle promptly called emergency services and used his tow truck to pull her vehicle from the creek. Fortunately, she was released from the hospital days later in good condition. Miracle expressed relief that he followed his instincts; had no one noticed her hazard lights, she might have remained trapped until daylight, making rescue even more difficult. “The timing was just impeccable,” Miracle remarked. “I think it was God’s work—right place, right time; it was meant to be.”

Cameras attached to stop lights and other posts on bridges in Seoul aren’t there to tell if you’re speeding; they’re doing a much more important job—a lifesaving job. Using artificial intelligence, programmers at the Seoul Institute of Technology are building a system of recognizing body movements and other cues to help identify whether someone is contemplating ending their own life. If the system thinks there’s a risk, it will immediately alert local rescue teams. Suicide is a major problem in South Korea, and the rates there are higher than in other well-developed countries. Furthermore, it can be extremely difficult for even trained surveillance teams to deduce whether a person is simply being pensive while enjoying the view from one of Seoul’s 27 bridges. “We believe the new CCTV will enable our crews to detect the cases a bit faster and help us head to a call more promptly,” Kim Hyeong-gil, who is in charge of the Yeouido Water Rescue Brigade, told Reuters. Critically important is that the system learns by itself from experience, analyzing in every detail what an at-risk person is doing, and then cataloguing the actions depending on whether it was confirmed to be an attempted suicide or not. The programmers are looking to pilot the system with the Seoul Fire and Rescue subsequently.

This week, the famous presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, His Excellency Peter Obi returned to Grimard College of Nursing Sciences in Anyigba, Kogi State, to fulfill a pledge made three months prior. During a previous visit, he had donated ₦10 million to support the institution’s educational initiatives. The Proprietor and the Rector had expressed that their most pressing need for accreditation was a 32-seater coaster bus to facilitate students’ clinical experience visits. In discussions with the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Adaji, it was noted that the cost of a brand-new bus exceeded ₦100 million. However, a fairly used bus priced between ₦20 million and ₦30 million would adequately meet their needs. Consequently, upon returning to the College, Peter Obi presented a fairly used bus within this price range to assist students in their essential clinical assignments. Additionally, they contributed ₦5 million designated for covering registration, insurance, and other related expenses for one year. The individual expressed gratitude towards the Proprietor, Management, and staff for their warm reception and commended their relentless efforts in enhancing education and health services. They assured the College community of continued support in modest ways as they collectively strive toward a “new Nigeria that is possible.”