What do you think?
Rate this book
Me to We: Finding Meaning in a Material World
The New York Times bestseller from the founders of WE Charity—a human rights organization that has lifted over 1 million people from poverty globally— Me to We is an uplifting and actionable guide for personal and social change and a call to action to helping others, featuring a new introduction by Academy Award–winning actress and activist Natalie Portman.
Me to We is an approach to life that leads us to recognize what is truly valuable, make different decisions about the way we want to live, and redefine the goals we set for ourselves and the legacy we want to leave. Both a manifesto and a manual , Me to We includes tales to inspire, studies and statistics to persuade, and practical advice to motivate and guide. Weaving together dynamic lessons and stories from the world’s top contributors to human rights and social involvement, the Kielburger brothers show us that the best way to grow and develop as human beings is by helping others.
Their philosophy, along with cutting-edge research on the nature of personal and social change, embraces the idea that we can all build a better life—and an ideal world—through reaching out to others. By redirecting our energies and focusing from “me” to the “we” of our communities, each individual can make an impact on our nation, and our world as a whole. Supporters such as Oprah Winfrey, Richard Gere, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Dr. Jane Goodall also share their original stories that inspire us to believe that a better world can exist for all of us. The Kielburgers teach us how to go about living our lives as socially conscious and responsible people, engaging in daily acts of kindness, building meaningful relationships through community, and focusing on the impact of “we” decision making.
Both modern in its fresh way of looking at the world and traditional in its return to the simplest, purest, and most basic impulse of humanity to reach out and help each other, this philosophy represents a dynamic shift in focus, and a new definition of success, happiness, and community.
Me to We is an approach to life that leads us to recognize what is truly valuable, make different decisions about the way we want to live, and redefine the goals we set for ourselves and the legacy we want to leave. Both a manifesto and a manual , Me to We includes tales to inspire, studies and statistics to persuade, and practical advice to motivate and guide. Weaving together dynamic lessons and stories from the world’s top contributors to human rights and social involvement, the Kielburger brothers show us that the best way to grow and develop as human beings is by helping others.
Their philosophy, along with cutting-edge research on the nature of personal and social change, embraces the idea that we can all build a better life—and an ideal world—through reaching out to others. By redirecting our energies and focusing from “me” to the “we” of our communities, each individual can make an impact on our nation, and our world as a whole. Supporters such as Oprah Winfrey, Richard Gere, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Dr. Jane Goodall also share their original stories that inspire us to believe that a better world can exist for all of us. The Kielburgers teach us how to go about living our lives as socially conscious and responsible people, engaging in daily acts of kindness, building meaningful relationships through community, and focusing on the impact of “we” decision making.
Both modern in its fresh way of looking at the world and traditional in its return to the simplest, purest, and most basic impulse of humanity to reach out and help each other, this philosophy represents a dynamic shift in focus, and a new definition of success, happiness, and community.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
56 people are currently reading
981 people want to read
About the author
Craig Kielburger
25 books22 followersCraig Kielburger is a Canadian activist for the rights of children. As a 12 year old he founded Free the Children, a non-profit organisation that now operates in 45 countries with more than one million young people involved in programs. More recently, Craig co-founded Me to We with his brother Marc. Me to We is a for-profit social enterprise that provides socially responsible products and services.
Craig has been recognised for his work with a number of awards, including being made a Member of the Order of Canada on February 20, 2007.
Craig has been recognised for his work with a number of awards, including being made a Member of the Order of Canada on February 20, 2007.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 13, 2008
Absolutely phenomenal! I am making sure all of my friends read this book. It is truly inspiring and will transform the way you see the world and your role in it.
June 26, 2019
Me To We: Finding Meaning in a Material World by Craig Kielburger is an amazingly powerful book. It talks about Marc and Craig's experiences, as well as ways of living, and ways to transfer from me to we. Also in the book, there are true stories about those who either worked with Me to We, were helped by Me to We, or shifted in the mindset of Me, and then to We.
This book told such powerful messages and stories that completely shifted my mindset about the would, and our ways of life. It talked about people who has almost nothing but still helped others and made the most of life. It talked about those who always helped others, and those who were helped.
Even though the book had such powerful messages, it was really long and also kind of boring and repetitive. It was a really long read because it was so long and boring, and I would continue getting tired and sick of the book, and then just stop reading it. The only part that I looked forward to was the stories. Also you know what happens in the book. They just talk about Me to We, so it is not very exciting. But the book was okay, and I would recommend it to those who care about social justice, plus don't get bored easily, and have lots of patience. I would rate it a 3 out of 5.
This book told such powerful messages and stories that completely shifted my mindset about the would, and our ways of life. It talked about people who has almost nothing but still helped others and made the most of life. It talked about those who always helped others, and those who were helped.
Even though the book had such powerful messages, it was really long and also kind of boring and repetitive. It was a really long read because it was so long and boring, and I would continue getting tired and sick of the book, and then just stop reading it. The only part that I looked forward to was the stories. Also you know what happens in the book. They just talk about Me to We, so it is not very exciting. But the book was okay, and I would recommend it to those who care about social justice, plus don't get bored easily, and have lots of patience. I would rate it a 3 out of 5.
October 14, 2017
A great read that helped me remember that we all can do so much more than we are doing to make the world a better place. Small acts of kindness can have a great impact on our own sense of well-being besides helping the lives of others.
August 5, 2024
Me to We is supposed to be all about finding meaning in a material world, and while there are a few pearls of wisdom in here, much of it is the same rhetoric we hear elsewhere about being a good citizen and looking outside ourselves . The book becomes repetitive and tiresome after about chapter 3 and often comes across as preachy and even a little bit white saviour-ish. It does not help that since the writing of this book, the WE Charity has been involved in several major scandals- including misleading donors.
I’ve taken what I resonated and left the rest- but to save you the time of reading it… making small changes to support your community is all it takes to have big results, there’s no reason not to start today. You’re welcome.
I’ve taken what I resonated and left the rest- but to save you the time of reading it… making small changes to support your community is all it takes to have big results, there’s no reason not to start today. You’re welcome.
March 27, 2014
My oh my! This book is the definition of inspiration. You know how people say that they have read a book that is “life changing”?? Well… this one literally life changing:D
Me to We is a non-fiction book written by the Kielburger brothers. Craig and Marc Kielburger are the founders and heads of many charities, including Free the Children and Me to We.
Essentially this book talks about how you can change your attitude and actions from a “me” mentality – that is living your life for you and you alone – to a “we” mentality – becoming a global citizen whose life makes the world a better place.
I’m SO glad that I read Me to We when I did because I am currently a university student, and I’m standing at the precipice that is the beginning of the rest of my life (I know, that is some scary stuff). I feel that reading this book when I did has given me a huge advantage. Now, when I begin to make my mark on the world, I can make sure it is a good one. Now I can set the right goals and launch my life and career on the right note.
One of the truly great, and probably most inspiring things about this book is Craig and Marc’s assurance that you don’t need to start with a grandiose, superhuman gesture, like traveling all over the world or donating millions of dollars to charity. You can start small with any simple act of kindness and the book includes plenty of excellent tips on how to live Me to We in our daily lives.
After reading Me to We it is impossible not to feel inspired to change the world and make everyone who comes into contact you be happy that they did! I recommend this to everyone and it most definitely belongs on EVERYONE’S Book Bucket List.
Remember! Be kind to everyone you meet and be the change!
Me to We is a non-fiction book written by the Kielburger brothers. Craig and Marc Kielburger are the founders and heads of many charities, including Free the Children and Me to We.
Essentially this book talks about how you can change your attitude and actions from a “me” mentality – that is living your life for you and you alone – to a “we” mentality – becoming a global citizen whose life makes the world a better place.
I’m SO glad that I read Me to We when I did because I am currently a university student, and I’m standing at the precipice that is the beginning of the rest of my life (I know, that is some scary stuff). I feel that reading this book when I did has given me a huge advantage. Now, when I begin to make my mark on the world, I can make sure it is a good one. Now I can set the right goals and launch my life and career on the right note.
One of the truly great, and probably most inspiring things about this book is Craig and Marc’s assurance that you don’t need to start with a grandiose, superhuman gesture, like traveling all over the world or donating millions of dollars to charity. You can start small with any simple act of kindness and the book includes plenty of excellent tips on how to live Me to We in our daily lives.
After reading Me to We it is impossible not to feel inspired to change the world and make everyone who comes into contact you be happy that they did! I recommend this to everyone and it most definitely belongs on EVERYONE’S Book Bucket List.
Remember! Be kind to everyone you meet and be the change!
July 30, 2011
Excellent book for teens and parents and any adult who works with teens. Provides a concrete and positive way for our teens to make a positive difference in the world. It is trly amazing what teens can do right now. There is no need for them to wait until they are adults to do something spectacular. This book is filled with personal stories of teens who have raised buckets of cash, who have helped other teens in need, who have made a difference for child laborers, the list goes on and one. This organization is the real deal and Mark and Craig have a powerful message.
May 25, 2012
Overall this book is not what I expected it to be. I think that the actual Me to We Philosophy could have been expressed quite well in an article or essay format.
I really liked a lot of the content within the book. The personal essays were great, the stories of the people in various countries and conditions were inspiring. The statistics, history, and background information on some of the countries was inforative and intersting. The resource list and various sections of the book are great educaional resources.
I really liked a lot of the content within the book. The personal essays were great, the stories of the people in various countries and conditions were inspiring. The statistics, history, and background information on some of the countries was inforative and intersting. The resource list and various sections of the book are great educaional resources.
December 7, 2015
Great book. It puts the perspective of community building in the right place by illustrating how transitioning from a Me-First mentality into a We-First mentality benefits everyone.
This book provides insights from communities and cultures all over the world, which is key because this mindset shift can easily be seen as one person's ideology and not something that has been proven to work. On the contrary, cultures across the world who operate We-First win far more than what our more privileged and financially wealthy American culture does.
This book provides insights from communities and cultures all over the world, which is key because this mindset shift can easily be seen as one person's ideology and not something that has been proven to work. On the contrary, cultures across the world who operate We-First win far more than what our more privileged and financially wealthy American culture does.
August 6, 2008
This is a very inspiring book & I'm shocked more people haven't read it! I'm only on chapter 4 so I feel I should finish it before I review it. I have to read it in small doses because it is very emotional for me. It's true that if I wasn't interested in focusing on my life and what my own goals are, than this would not be as meaningful. However I think I would recommend that everyone read this book.
February 2, 2018
If you want to change your life, read this book.
May 14, 2018
I really enjoyed the stories of different people's experience, but once the authors kept bringing it back to themselves, it felt super preachy and I wasn't here for it.
Want to read
October 22, 2019Amazing. Motivating. Life Changing. Read again for inspiration. Check out website.
December 9, 2019
A book that inspires you to be a better human being and to leave a positive impact into the society.
December 19, 2019
A bit too many anecdotes but this book makes me wish I paid more attention to social justice in high school lol.
December 21, 2023
I told myself to read this one to make myself a more well-rounded reader. The trouble is I still bristle at reading biographies, especially autobiographies, for a reason I don't really understand. Jealousy, that I'm clearly less accomplished? No, I like not being in the public eye. Embarrassment, at peeking into someone else's life? Hey, they WANT it read, or it wouldn't be a book! I don't know, it just feels... off, to me.
That said, while the first chapter or so is very well written, I am not terribly interested in reading the rest. I feel like I get the idea and don't "need" to read the rest of the book, and also I feel like I can just expect more of the same.
Noteworthy: The foreword from Natalie Portman specifically makes me bristle, even though nothing she's said is specifically BAD. However, saying being vegan "is a practice of empathy and environmental respect" inadvertently feels like an attack, because being vegan is a practice that a lot of people cannot afford, particularly in parts of the world where farming is prohibitive or even impossible (desert, tundra).
Also, I struggle with a vegan or even vegetarian diet due to my own health reasons; suggesting that I am not respecting the environment in not being able to be vegan just strikes me as blanketly judgemental. Yes, I try to eat more vegetables where I can, and have even for a while eaten exclusively salad. No, it is NOT cheap or easy, and I actually feel worse for it, from putting my food under such a microscope that I've developed food anxiety.
I don't have the energy or support to live the full "Me to We" lifestyle. I *do* have the funds and motivation to help in smaller ways, like donating to free libraries, food banks, and directly to people I know who have unstable income and/or an emergency matter, and I don't particularly need this book to help me do that.
Ahem. But that's getting WAY off-topic.
tl;dr: What I read of this is good, but I'm not interested in reading more, in part because I expect it to be more of the same, but also because the text is tiny and lower-contrast, so hard to read. I don't know who I would recommend should read this, since it feels like anyone who would be interested would already be reading it.
That said, while the first chapter or so is very well written, I am not terribly interested in reading the rest. I feel like I get the idea and don't "need" to read the rest of the book, and also I feel like I can just expect more of the same.
Noteworthy: The foreword from Natalie Portman specifically makes me bristle, even though nothing she's said is specifically BAD. However, saying being vegan "is a practice of empathy and environmental respect" inadvertently feels like an attack, because being vegan is a practice that a lot of people cannot afford, particularly in parts of the world where farming is prohibitive or even impossible (desert, tundra).
Also, I struggle with a vegan or even vegetarian diet due to my own health reasons; suggesting that I am not respecting the environment in not being able to be vegan just strikes me as blanketly judgemental. Yes, I try to eat more vegetables where I can, and have even for a while eaten exclusively salad. No, it is NOT cheap or easy, and I actually feel worse for it, from putting my food under such a microscope that I've developed food anxiety.
I don't have the energy or support to live the full "Me to We" lifestyle. I *do* have the funds and motivation to help in smaller ways, like donating to free libraries, food banks, and directly to people I know who have unstable income and/or an emergency matter, and I don't particularly need this book to help me do that.
Ahem. But that's getting WAY off-topic.
tl;dr: What I read of this is good, but I'm not interested in reading more, in part because I expect it to be more of the same, but also because the text is tiny and lower-contrast, so hard to read. I don't know who I would recommend should read this, since it feels like anyone who would be interested would already be reading it.
June 24, 2018
This book is very inspirational and uplifting but it definitely isn't for someone wanting a quick and easy read. This gets in-depth about world issues and various messages shared throughout history and continuously touches base on them. I personally loved it as I'm always looking for motivation and keys to the next step to success!
One minor con about the things discussed in this book is that every single deed the creators do for people in need around the world is exceptional and highly commendable although they're missing a crucial thing we all should be taught. Whenever you help someone, the impact shouldn't end as soon as you leave. For that to happen, you should teach those in need how to continue building what you started for them. That's the one thing that maybe occurred once or twice but mainly it talked about the deeds the creators did.
One minor con about the things discussed in this book is that every single deed the creators do for people in need around the world is exceptional and highly commendable although they're missing a crucial thing we all should be taught. Whenever you help someone, the impact shouldn't end as soon as you leave. For that to happen, you should teach those in need how to continue building what you started for them. That's the one thing that maybe occurred once or twice but mainly it talked about the deeds the creators did.
May 1, 2018
“Me to We” TURNING SELF-HELP ON ITS HEAD, by Craig Kielburger & Marc Kielburger is not a new book. Still, it remains as relevant today as ever before. The inspiration brimming from its 244 pages causes you to strive to be the best you can be—“your best self.” It is reinforced that a true path to lasting happiness is that while nurturing yourself, turn your concerned focus outward—on your family, friends, your community, including the wider world beyond your intimate circle. Reaching out with kindness and compassion is a gift which keeps on giving as the ripples continue, expanding as they go. Sometimes even a smile, or a caring word can change a life—one person, “you,” really can make a difference. Gwendolyn Broadmore, author of “Life Came to a Standstill.”
September 3, 2019
It was a gift so I finally read it, not something I'd pick out for myself but it was good enough to get through.
Basically there are a few people going great things for the people of the world and if everyone pitched in more good could be done.
Definitely inspired some guilty feelings but I didn't feel like most of the advice/stories were very practical.
A little suspicious that they have accomplished so much yet I've never even heard of their organization outside of this book.
Basically there are a few people going great things for the people of the world and if everyone pitched in more good could be done.
Definitely inspired some guilty feelings but I didn't feel like most of the advice/stories were very practical.
A little suspicious that they have accomplished so much yet I've never even heard of their organization outside of this book.
October 30, 2017
這本書所提的不只是利它的觀念,而更是共好的觀念! 幫助別人不僅僅是付出, 但自己的收獲其實是更大, 除了有心靈的滿足之後, 更對身心靈全都得益! 這也就是施比受更有福吧!
這本書的觀念, 和中國人傳統的為善不欲人知的觀念亦不相同, 而是希望透過傳播分享的力量, 將每個人帶入行善的領域, 從我到我們, 才能集結眾人之力, 共同來改造這個社會.
這本書的觀念, 和中國人傳統的為善不欲人知的觀念亦不相同, 而是希望透過傳播分享的力量, 將每個人帶入行善的領域, 從我到我們, 才能集結眾人之力, 共同來改造這個社會.
August 4, 2018
The why and the how to change the world. Let's get on with it.
January 26, 2019
Very motivational, but meant for a young adult audience
Read
August 12, 2019I loved this, every bit of it. I couldn't put it down and if I did, I couldn't wait to pick it up again!
January 11, 2023
Don't even get me started...
March 19, 2017
This book gave good, concrete advice about making the world a better place through activism on a micro-level in our own communities. I will use it as a resource for years to come.
November 13, 2022
This book is one of the most moving and emotion-evoking books I have ever read. It is unbelievably kind to the reader(assuming the reader is not an activist and is unaware of issues around the world) but at the same time, leaves a lasting impact on them by using logic and reasoning to explain the meaning of true happiness and how to attain it-which is not by buying ten sports cars! The book is about changing your perspective of the world by thinking of people all around the planet as sisters and brothers. It provides evidence that volunteer work and charity provide people with long-term happiness, while material goods only provides them with short-term happiness. In addition, it teaches people about empathy and being grateful. At the end of each chapter, it gives you tips for implementing the ideas in the book into your life. When I started reading this book, I was a little irritated that they thought that everyone should participate in charity, because I thought that people should keep their own hard-earned money. By the end of this book, I was convinced that no matter how little you have, you should share with others, because before there was money there were people, who loved and cared about each other.
January 15, 2021
Although the book is not well organized and often repeats the same message, it does have a strong message and stories on why and how people help each other and those in need. With perspectives from young kids to experienced working-age people and those raised in poverty to those living a sheltered life, stories from dozens of people come together in this book in order to raise the call of "Me to We"— a message of shifting our focus from ourselves by taking a small step, as an individual, to contribute to a larger group.
In each of the stories from different people, happiness is found in helping others and experiencing the power of how you can effect change. The measure of success isn't through the money one makes in a competitive work environment but rather "the hugs you give and smiles you bring to people's faces". Thus, successes and wealth aren't measurable physically but a state of mind.
The movement to effect change doesn't begin with a sea of extraordinary things but rather a single individual deciding and having the courage to take a step to correct the world of an injustice.
In each of the stories from different people, happiness is found in helping others and experiencing the power of how you can effect change. The measure of success isn't through the money one makes in a competitive work environment but rather "the hugs you give and smiles you bring to people's faces". Thus, successes and wealth aren't measurable physically but a state of mind.
The movement to effect change doesn't begin with a sea of extraordinary things but rather a single individual deciding and having the courage to take a step to correct the world of an injustice.
July 22, 2014
If you want to change your life and turn it around for the better, this is the book. This will completely change your perspective on life. I am recommending this book to many people and forcing both my parents to read it (hehe). This book has changed me and how I see the world and the people in it. This books has inspired me as well. I recently went on a Me 2 We trip to the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador and after returning to Canada I have constantly compared the lives of people in the developed world to those in the developing world. For a while, I was stumped about how I could impact the people around me at home like I had in Ecuador with the community of Mondana. But after reading this book, I have realized that even the smallest things: smiling and talking to strangers, donating a few hours a week to a charity, and always being there for my friends and family contribute to making a difference. After reading this and my recent travels, I am happy to say that I am a changed person, and a happily changed person at that.
May 26, 2010
From Me to We: An inspirational guidance for self-help and how to give back locally and globally.
Authored by the highly acclaimed Kielburger brothers, who initiated the anti-child labour charity, there are inspirational stories from Archbishop Desmond Tutu to Oprah Winfrey to Queen Noor on how to reach out to those less fortunate and valuable lessons to learn along the way.
It advocates a giving philosophy, offers new ways to determine happiness and find meaning in our lives. The Western culture is very "me" focused and in order to truly change the world, we need to adopt a "we" culture. Very similar to Bill Clinton's "Giving", the authors encourage everything from small acts of local volunteering to Mother Teresa's type of passion and courage.
An enlightening read, especially for those looking to be involved in global issues.
Authored by the highly acclaimed Kielburger brothers, who initiated the anti-child labour charity, there are inspirational stories from Archbishop Desmond Tutu to Oprah Winfrey to Queen Noor on how to reach out to those less fortunate and valuable lessons to learn along the way.
It advocates a giving philosophy, offers new ways to determine happiness and find meaning in our lives. The Western culture is very "me" focused and in order to truly change the world, we need to adopt a "we" culture. Very similar to Bill Clinton's "Giving", the authors encourage everything from small acts of local volunteering to Mother Teresa's type of passion and courage.
An enlightening read, especially for those looking to be involved in global issues.
Read
March 12, 2014Reading this book is hard because every page at the beginning made me want to cry. Eventually I skipped ahead of the personal story's and got to some other stuff with was less emotionally heart wrenching.
"Research had shown that feeling like we belong, are accepted and valued by at least some other people, is essential to our well-being. Satisfying this need takes more than just frequent contact with other people: it involves creating a sense of connection through deep meaningful relationships."
Mother Teresa said that north American may be rich in money but they are impoverished spiritually.
The point of the book was to embolden people to form community's and help others. A noble idea and a good one.
"Research had shown that feeling like we belong, are accepted and valued by at least some other people, is essential to our well-being. Satisfying this need takes more than just frequent contact with other people: it involves creating a sense of connection through deep meaningful relationships."
Mother Teresa said that north American may be rich in money but they are impoverished spiritually.
The point of the book was to embolden people to form community's and help others. A noble idea and a good one.
August 1, 2011
Altho I think the authors of this book have done and are doing some wonderful work wherever they go, I'm not sure this sorta manual on how to adopt their philosophy translates into a fun read and I'm not sure it is supposed to.
There are a ton of suggestions on things you can do and dozens of testimonials and anecdotes meant to inspire you to action to their 'Me to We' philosophy. I don't doubt a one of them, but as a book it becomes somewhat repetitive. Even the best intentions wear thin after a bit.
I would encourage anyone looking for a different way of life to give this book a read. I would also encourage anyone looking for a good read to find another book. :)
There are a ton of suggestions on things you can do and dozens of testimonials and anecdotes meant to inspire you to action to their 'Me to We' philosophy. I don't doubt a one of them, but as a book it becomes somewhat repetitive. Even the best intentions wear thin after a bit.
I would encourage anyone looking for a different way of life to give this book a read. I would also encourage anyone looking for a good read to find another book. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews