The V Word
By Heather Mills
MORAL CONFLICTS
It has been my dream for decades, that one day every country will be able to live of the produce of its own land; as there was once a time when that is exactly what we did.
Now that’s idealism.
However, I am now in my 50’s and have tried everything to live by my ideals, but in every aspect of my work – from animal rights campaigning to landmine removal, prosthetic assistance and plant-based food creation – I have come to realise that the world is not an ideal place. Therefore, we must turn to realism if we are to create great change. It pays to be practical.
GETTING REAL
The first time realism kicked in for me, was after years of clearing landmines in former Yugoslavia, around the 90’s, only to find out more were being put down year after year; with more and more conflicts arising – it seemed like a losing battle.
But I am a problem solving person, and I learnt very quickly that you have to work with the so-called opposition to bring about greater change. You have to educate those who stand against you, and, ultimately, show them that they can make money by taking a better path.