I am astounded by these facts. As a species, I considered that we were definitely a success. However, I am rethinking my position on that. If we as humanbeings are incapable of feeding our people, taking care of our young or refuse to consider that every other human being is poor, then may be we were not really as successful as I thought. what is more amazing is the line of thought the author has supposed - that poverty is not a direct result of mismanagement, corruption and authoritative rule. Instead it is more likely that it is a product of geography, climate and natural resources. Eventhough I dont agree with him completely, I still believe he is largely true in what he says. Long back I have read somewhere that it only takes one year of all the money Americans spend on pets to take care of clean drinking water requirements for the entire African continent or just one year equivalent of dollars what American women spend is all required to give the entire African continent's women, some kind of decent education. Though the facts may be wrong, they may not be off the mark completely. This probably gives an idea of where the priorities are. However, I refuse to acknowledge that the rich should curtail its spendings and give more to poor, just because they are rich and the latter receive, just because they are poor. More likely, the rich of world should take active part in helping the needy to empower them to help themselves. Education, healthcare and employment are the fundamental three aspects which can destroy poverty. I think if every able and capable human being to realizes that even a little effort on one's side to erradicate poverty, will go a long way in ending this menance.