social justice - Ray Bakke

To stay committed, stay optimistic. "Cities today are famous for their violence. But what amazes me is that the city wakes up in the morning, goes to bed at night, and is as quiet as it is. I'm amazed that the subways still run, that so many people still say 'Hi' on the street -- and that, at least in Chicago, living in the city can shape our children for the better. We get to introduce them to the cultures of the world. Living in the city is a great experience that offers tremendous advantages. We need to reflect on these advantages more often than we do."

Curtis Sittenfeld (csittenfeld@fastcompany.com) is a staff writer at Fast Company. You can contact Ray Bakke by email (iua1@ais.net)