Wael Ghonim: Freedom Fighter Extraordinaire

Google exec Wael Ghonim played a prominent role in Egypt’s revolution, having founded a popular Facebook group that exposes police brutality and corruption within Egypt’s government.

Earlier today he gave a speech for TED, in which he shared some truly inspiring and uplifting thoughts.

First, he addressed being labeled a hero, saying that so many people did something, that no one person is the hero.

Then, he covered the psychological barrier of fear, and how most people were unhappy with the regime but too afraid to speak out. It was only via the Internet could they see how they were not alone, how there were in fact hundreds of thousands who felt the same discontent.

Ghonim described the power of crowdsourcing, saying there is no single leader in the uprising. Everyone’s voice was heard. Ideas were put forth and a consensus was reached for an overall action plan. Without a head, the mass movement couldn’t be stopped.

Addressing his 12 days confinement by Egyptian security, Ghonim says it may have well been 12 years. Upon release, he noticed a remarkable change in the people who carried an overwhelming sense of empowerment in the people. Where they once were afraid to express dissent, Egyptians were now shouting in the streets for their rights.

Finally, Wael Ghonim closed with a truth that makes even dreams of world peace seem possible: the power of the people is much stronger than the people in power.

Like it!
  • Reddit
  • Digg
  • Facebook
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn
  • Mixx
  • Yahoo! Buzz

Related Posts:

Tags: , , , ,

Comments are closed.