So, we all know that the United States is a gruff, impersonal place. I've heard people who claim to be "in touch with their humanity" - described vividly in the movie that one... He's a economist/lecturer who makes his way all over Latin America lecturing to the poor about the reasons capitalism hasn't made them rich, yet.

There are many aspects that hold the Latin American economies back, like the lack of property rights, and Mr. de Soto adresses quite a few. But, there was one aspect that really grabbed my attention: the lack of formal representation. No driver's licences, no deeds, no credit cards - the only acceptable form of representation are the physical, tangible ones.
"Who are you?"
"I am me."
"Is this yours?"
"Yes."

In an interview with Hernando De Soto, he says, "In other words, the reason that things travel so well in the market economy of the United States and values travel from one place to another is because they all have passports. The real value is like my identity -- it's not in me; it's in my passport. Real value to pay the hotel room is not in me; it's in the credit card."

Well. Imagine growing up in a world so removed from "reality". Well, I don't have to imagine - I'm living it. Cash represents a value, monthy bills, checks, ATMs, on-line ordering... just reading is an exercise in abstracts! And I don't think the average Bolivian reads in a week what I read in a day.

So, is it any surprise that living in this world of abstracts is just another layer over the seed of true humanity in each of us? If you were to remove that layer, and we lived in closer contact to each other's humanity, wouldn't we develop stricter forms of etiquette and a heightened sense of compassion?

Well, I think so.