The atmosphere at dusk inside the exposition resembled a fair ground with the Grand Palais illuminated in a candlelight glow by chandeliers dangling from long ropes of cord. I warmed my hands on a gifted cup of mint tea and ducked inside. Each of the dozen yurts delivered a picture show of answers. Standing before the camera, those people of the world seemed much like me, while others were terribly different, beautiful. I could have spent all day in the company of so many strangers. An abbreviated version of 6 Billion Others is available online. Invited to become a part of this social study, a web cam awaits your monologue. I scribed my first memory into the guestbook.

I want to know first hand the mountains and seas, desserts and forests and the tribes that call them home. Being introduced to cultures, hearing different languages, acknowledging their values, looking into their eyes will change your outlook. In her essay “Finding the Strength to Fight Fears” for the NPR program This I Believe, Terry Ahwal says, “We all belong to the same human tribe; that kinship supersedes our differences.” To me the world seems a little smaller and my woes trivial in comparison to some.

Yann Arthur-Bertrand will release his first full-length feature, Home, simultaneously in 50 countries and by Internet on the 5th of June. From the sky earth’s wounds are evident. The focus is on savingwhat we have left by changing our mode of living. If you happen to be in Paris then, join your neighbors for the screening on the Champ-de-Mars at 10 o’clock pm.

Have a look at this book or NPR's site if interested in reading essays where Americans share the personal philosophies that give meaning to their lives.