Another admirable Portuguese is António Damásio, a renowned Professor of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Philosophy, and Director of the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California. Recognized for his groundbreaking work on consciousness and emotions, he stands as the most highly cited Portuguese scientist of all time, according to the Stanford ranking. https://19-pacheco-torgal-19.blogspot.com/2024/09/portugal-os-100-investigadores-mais.html
António Damásio is also the Chair of the Berggruen Prize for Philosophy & Culture, an annual award established by philanthropist Nicolas Berggruen to honor humanistic thinkers. The Berggruen Prize Jury named Australian philosopher Peter Singer as its sixth winner. Peter Singer is known for advocating an expanded moral circle, urging society to consider the interests of all sentient beings, not just humans. His work on effective altruism calls for individuals to maximize their resources to create the greatest possible positive impact. He founded "The Life You Can Save," which has raised over $100 million in just a decade. https://berggruen.org/news/in-conversation-with-peter-singer-utilitarianism-avoiding-common-misunderstandings-and
The second admirable Australian in this post is James Harrison, whose passing this week marks the end of an extraordinary legacy of generosity and quiet heroism. For over 60 years, he dedicated himself to an act of selfless service—donating blood with rare antibodies that helped develop life-saving treatments, ultimately saving millions of lives. In a world that often glorifies fleeting fame and empty accolades, Harrison's story stands as a profound reminder that true greatness is not measured by wealth or celebrity but by the impact we have on others. In an age obsessed with momentary applause, James Harrison leaves us with a far greater gift—proof that greatness lies in service, not superficial recognition, inspiring us all to contribute meaningfully to the world around us. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/04/australian-james-harrison-rare-blood-saved-babies-dies-aged-88
PS - While some dedicate their lives to saving others, the super-rich knowingly trade human lives for their own obscene excess. Researchers from Canada and Austria have shown that for every 1,000 tonnes of fossil carbon burned, one person dies—yet these elites emit carbon at a rate 8,000 times higher than the poorest billion. This goes far beyond negligence; it is a calculated, psychopathic disregard for human life.
