Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking at UC Berkeley’s Wheeler Hall—a place where, decades ago, Mario Savio urged students to take action against injustice. Standing in that historic venue, I reflected on the power of a single voice to spark a movement.
Savio and his peers challenged a system that stifled free speech. Their activism changed history, proving that when enough people demand change, institutions must respond. The same lesson applies today. We live in a country that incarcerates more people than any other nation in the world. Yet our prison system doesn’t focus on rehabilitation. Instead of incentivizing people to develop skills, pursue education, and prepare for a better future, it often perpetuates cycles of failure.
I asked the students yesterday to consider this: What if we built a system that encouraged people to earn their freedom through merit?
Imagine a prison system that operates less like a warehouse and more like a university—one that equips people with the knowledge and tools to succeed upon release. That’s what we’re working toward at the Prison Professors Charitable Corporation. But we can’t do it alone.
The Power of Ideas
Throughout history, transformative change has begun with ideas. Socrates challenged people to think critically. Mandela showed the world that reconciliation is more powerful than revenge. Entrepreneurs in the Bay Area built companies that reshaped how we live, communicate, and interact.
Change starts with an idea—but ideas only gain traction when people commit to spreading them.
That’s why I invited Berkeley students to join our mission. They have the knowledge, the tools, and the platforms to amplify this message in ways that weren’t possible in previous generations. With digital media, AI, and decentralized networks, information moves faster than ever before. We must use these tools to challenge outdated systems and create something better.
Taking Ownership of Change
The students I met at Berkeley will enter a world that is rapidly evolving. Automation, artificial intelligence, and technological advances are reshaping every industry. But one thing remains constant: those who take ownership of their path—those who define success for themselves and work toward a purpose—will be the ones who lead.
That’s the lesson I learned in prison. Despite the walls and razor wire, I realized that no one could control my mindset or my discipline. I read books that helped me think differently. I studied leaders who overcame extraordinary odds. I set daily goals, and I worked relentlessly toward a vision of success.
The same principles apply outside of prison. Whether someone is navigating a personal crisis, launching a business, or pushing for policy reform, the strategy is the same:
- Define success.
- Set clear goals.
- Create a plan and execute it daily.
- Measure progress and adjust as needed.
- Build a network of people who believe in the mission.
Act Now
We live in an era of immense opportunity. Technology has given us access to limitless information. Social platforms allow anyone to build an audience. AI tools are revolutionizing industries. There has never been a better time to drive meaningful change.
The question is: Will we take advantage of these opportunities, or will we sit on the sidelines?
Mario Savio and his peers didn’t wait for someone else to fix the problems they saw. They took action. They spread ideas. They created a movement.
Now, it’s our turn.
A Call to Action
I invite anyone reading this to reflect:
- What cause is worth fighting for?
- How will you use your skills to drive meaningful change?
- What steps will you take today to contribute to something bigger than yourself?
Whether through our nonprofit, another organization, or an independent initiative, I encourage you to take action. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but every movement begins with a single step.
Together, we can build a system that incentivizes growth, restores hope, and allows people to earn freedom through merit. But it starts with people—students, professionals, and leaders—who are willing to challenge the status quo and push for something better.
Self-Directed Learning Question:
- What ideas or causes inspire you to take action, and what practical steps can you take today to turn inspiration into real change?