|
A new study confirms one of our longstanding beliefs at the Case Foundation — hope is a powerful force for good.
Researchers found that people with high levels of hope have higher levels of wellbeing, education, earnings, employment outcomes, and health indicators. They’re also less likely to be lonely.
As we enter the Thanksgiving season, we’re particularly thankful for the many trailblazers and innovators who give us hope for a better future. We hope that sharing their stories with you each month helps you feel more optimistic, too.
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
From Holocaust Survivor to American Hero
|
Hungarian-born Tibor Rubin had been held prisoner in the Mauthausen concentration camp for over a year when the US Army liberated the camp from the Nazis in 1945. Still a teenager, he vowed to one day repay the debt.
Rubin immigrated to the US three years later and, not long after, enlisted in the Army. Deployed to the frontlines of the Korean War in 1950, he demonstrated extraordinary bravery in several actions. Multiple times, he single-handedly defended strategic positions against enemy forces, saving many American lives.
However, Rubin was captured along with many other soldiers in the fall of 1950. As a prisoner of war, he used the survival skills he learned during the Holocaust to look out for his fellow prisoners. He snuck out at night to steal food, nursed the sick, and tried to keep spirits up. He is credited with keeping 40 American prisoners alive.
After the war, the men who served with Rubin fought for him to receive recognition for his bravery, which finally came in 2005. Rubin was awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the only Holocaust survivor to receive the distinction.
Rubin’s story reminds us of the importance of taking risks and letting urgency conquer fear when facing life’s challenging moments. We salute his fearless spirit. |
| |
|
| Exploring Natural Capital to Drive Growth |
With environmental risks and regulatory pressure on the rise, a new report says now is the time to invest in natural capital. According to the World Economic Forum, over half of global gross domestic product is dependent on nature. Natural capital assets can take several forms, including sustainable forestry, regenerative farming, biodiversity conservation areas, and carbon sequestration projects — offering many options for investors interested in nature-based solutions.
|
| |
|
Encouraging Signs for Impact Investing
|
| The latest report from the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) reveals several bright spots for the sector in the face of many challenges. Assets under management surged from $249 billion in 2024 to $448 billion this year. Additionally, survey respondents reported that the financial returns of their impact investments outperformed those of traditional investments across several asset classes, including private equity, public equity, and equity-like debt. |
| |
|
| Rethinking the Profile of a Successful Founder |
| Could certain psychological traits be a better predictor of a founder’s success than a diploma from an elite university? Perhaps, according to a new study. Researchers looked at a diverse group of unicorn founders and found that 88.7% shared common traits, including staying calm under pressure, strong analytical thinking, expressing positive emotions, and demonstrating inclusive leadership. They hope that the study can help venture capitalists rethink how they assess founders. |
| |
|
|
