With more than 7 billion others on Earth, we still have a deep connection with each other in one way or another. Although individuals carry different beliefs, we collectively have a universal idea of the meaning of life. The 7 Billion Others project does an incredible job of giving us a global, profound insight of our unifying similarities and the principle differences that urge us to make a difference.
Yann Arthus-Bertrand partnered with Sybille d’Orgeval and Baptiste Rouget-Luchaire to illustrate the unity on Earth and the actions we need to take to further work towards harmony. The project consists of 6,000 filmed interviews in 84 countries in which people are asked about their views, including hopes, dreams, and fears. In his editorial, Arthus-Bertrand shares his personal mission to give via the purpose of the 7 Billion Others project:
"For in struggles to come, whether it is the struggle against poverty or climate change, we cannot act on our own. The times in which one could think only of oneself or of one’s own small community are over. From now on, we cannot ignore what it is that links us and the responsibilities that this implies.
There are more than seven billion of us on Earth, and there will be no sustainable development if we cannot manage to live together. That is why 7 Billion Others is so important to me. I believe in it because it concerns all of us and because it encourages us to take action. I hope that each one of us will want to reach out and make these encounters, to listen to other people and to contribute to the life of 7 Billion Others by adding our own experiences and expressing our desire to live together."
The philanthropic photographer demonstrates that with enlightenment, drive, and action, we can make a difference. He manifests in SOLO's mantra that one idea, one action, one person can change the world. Among the tender film topics are happiness, differences, making love last, and the meaning of life.
When it comes down to it, we are all in pursuit of happiness - to find a state beyond contentment, a state that's full of love and laughter, a state of bliss. A lady from Romania describes happiness as "to feel good in your own skin" and expresses that she will obtain happiness once she feels self-love. She demonstrates that we all have our insecurities that contributes to feeling unsatisfied with life, but she also shows us that we each have the ability to uplift each other. A man from Cuba expresses how "No one on Earth knows total happiness," and maybe he's right because we all have our triumphs and defeats. However, we can still create a joyful journey. Throughout the interviews of asking the simple question, "What is happiness?" human beings around the world describe happiness as satisfaction in life - whether it's for the moment, for the day, or for eternity.
Many of the 7 billion others on Earth, unfortunately, feel as if they do not know what happiness is due to the fact that it is hard to achieve the fundamentals of life, such as putting food on the table for their family or funding an education for their children. Each film clenches your heart, tugging on its strings to care, to act, and to believe you can make a difference. Yann Arthus-Bertrand does an exceptional job of making you want to flourish the world with positivity and extend a simple helping hand.
SOLO Eyewear encourages you to learn more about the 7 Billion Others project and explore the world through the visions of human souls that are just like you. Most importantly, we encourage you to fulfill your personal Mission to Give.