Brad Aronson’s new book tells us how to change ‘HumanKind’

Meet Brad Aronson, who lives with his wife Mia and son Jack in Philly’s Queen Village. A seasoned entrepreneur who founded and later sold his internet advertising company, Aronson is now an investor in start-ups and a volunteer mentor and teacher of entrepreneurship to youth at the Camden nonprofit, Hopeworks. He’s also the author of the recently published HumanKind: How to Change the World One Small Act at a Time (LifeTree Media).

It's the little things

Endorsed by Deepak Chopra, Gabrielle Bernstein, and CEO’s of Ronald McDonald House Charities (Philadelphia) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, HumanKind is a collection of uplifting stories celebrating acts of human kindness, large and small, and their power to transform the world. While Aronson never planned to publish his book during a pandemic and social unrest, “its message and content are perfect for these challenging times,” he says.

The initial seed of inspiration for the book was planted in 2014 when his wife was diagnosed with leukemia. During the subsequent two and a half years of treatment, the Aronsons found themselves the recipients of an outpouring of kindess and love from family, friends and even strangers. Motivated by such generosity and support, Aronson began seeking out and blogging about everyday heroes all over the world who do good and change lives.

The city of love

Of the 50-plus stories featured in the book, Aronson notes that “about 40% are about incredible Philadelphians who are changing the world with the smallest of gestures.” He tells us about the suburban seamstress grandmothers who mend clothes for Philadelphia’s homeless, the construction worker in South Philly who saved a young man’s life by intervening to get him medical attention, and the mom who used her car to pick up and deliver food for the hungry, laying the foundation for Philabundance, which now feeds 90,000 people a week in the Philadelphia area.

At the end of every chapter and in the “Hall of Fame” section at the back of the book, Aronson offers practical tips and ideas on how readers can pay it forward and make a difference in the world through the simplest of words and deeds. “HumanKind is a reminder that even the smallest act can change a life and have a ripple effect transforming thousands of lives,” says Aronson.

All book proceeds will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

What, When, Where:

HumanKind: How to Change the World One Small Act at a Time, published by LifeTree Media, is available now from your favorite bookstore or online shop. It’s listed as $15.99, 256 pages, and is available in paperback and ebook.