I think Farmer taps into a universal anxiety and also into a fundamental place in some troubled consciences, into what he calls "ambivalence," the often unacknowledged uneasiness that some of the fortunate feel about their place in the world, the thing he once told me he designed his life to avoid.
In "Mountains Beyond Mountains," Tracy Kidder explores Dr. Paul Farmer's quest to improve global health, highlighting the profound unease that often exists among those who are better off. Farmer addresses the ambivalence felt by the privileged regarding their fortunate circumstances, particularly in contrast to the struggles faced by poorer communities. This inner conflict is a central theme, emphasizing how many people grapple with their advantages while witnessing others' hardships.
Kidder illustrates...
