FRAGILE: The Human Condition by Howard G. Buffett

by Howard G. Buffett

Fragile is the documentation of life stories in sixty-five countries. It is about personal accounts, some successful, some shattering. The book is an effort to move intellectual discussions to face emotional realities. It is one man's attempt to bring this reality to those who may be motivated to affect change.

It is difficult to write a book about so much that is wrong in the world—the stark truth may cause many readers to turn away, but if stories are sugar-coated, the truth becomes distorted. There is a fine balance between suffering and solutions.

With more than 440 color photographs, Fragile portrays the challenges of life for some four billion people on our planet. Yet it is their perseverance and determination that allows for hope, but it is a hope that can only be realized from action.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Howard G. Buffett is the Chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, a private family foundation working to improve the standard of living and quality of life for the world’s most impoverished and marginalized populations. A farmer, businessman, philanthropist, photographer, and former elected official, Howard has dedicated his life to addressing global food insecurity and conservation. He has traveled to 130 countries documenting the challenges of preserving our biodiversity while providing adequate resources to meet the needs of a growing global population. Howard is a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Against Hunger, and serves on the corporate boards of Berkshire Hathaway, The Coca-Cola Company, and Lindsay Corporation. He operates a 1,500-acre family farm in central Illinois and oversees three foundation-operated research farms, including over 1,400 acres in Arizona, 4,200 acres in Illinois, and 9,200 acres in South Africa. Howard has written extensively on conservation, wildlife, and the human condition. 40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World documents the people, places, and experiences that have shaped his evolving views of the role of philanthropy in addressing the world’s most difficult challenges.

Reviews

[Jarrett Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Humans of New York" goes to the poorest places on earth. A slap-in-the-face contrast with the freedoms we enjoy in the U.S. Hard to get through.

[Brenda Mannino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book combines photography with the stark realism of poverty. What we don't know can hurt us. Every time I go to the supermarket I now think of how readily available and diverse our food is and I will never complain about a slow checkout line again.

[Dustin Tramel · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can't flip through this book and not be motivated to do something, anything, to bring a little peace into the world. The book is also a shocking reality check that we "must not rest in the comfort of our freedom." Great photographs and content. A must read.

[Kimberly Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! Our children loved looking at the pictures and hearing the stories.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome book! Beautiful photographs and commentary. I'm so grateful for my blessings.