Topic > A Catholic's Perspective on "Mountains Beyond Mountains"

Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder chronicles the humanitarian work of Dr. Paul Farmer. Throughout the film, Farmer shows exemplary respect for the dignity of people and the fundamental rights that all human beings deserve. In a consumerist society where people are obsessed with material possessions, Paul Farmer deviates from the norm by embracing a simple life focused on helping others. He never accepts compensation for his work. The story portrays Dr. Farmer as he travels the world and treats patients with diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. He connects with everyone he works with; in his spirit of extraordinary compassion, he does not recognize the great differences he has with these people. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The attitude of equality that Farmer possesses is admirable, because people often gravitate towards people who are similar to them. However, there are some rights that everyone deserves from birth as a human being. When people are deprived of these rights, such an action contradicts Catholic social teaching regarding the rights and responsibilities of all people. Paul Farmer said, “Clean water, health care, schools, food, tin roofs and concrete floors, all these things should be a set of basics that people should have as their birthright.” . Although water is a necessity for life, 783 million people do not have access to clean water. On the other hand, people living in rich first world nations have abundant sources of water and do not consider the danger of this resource. While most Americans have a wasteful attitude toward water consumption, Paul Farmer has witnessed firsthand the scarcity of clean water in third world countries. If people were more educated about this, they might adopt more conservative practices, as Farmer did. There were some aphorisms that Paul Farmer particularly appreciated, because they give a different perspective and perspective to his work: “It is the curse of humanity that it both learns to tolerate even the most horrible situations out of habit. This quote can be linked to Catholic social teaching on the rights and duties of people. Every person deserves the means to live a dignified life. However, humans have learned to adapt to deplorable situations that should not suit people. People who have had the privilege of being born into habitable conditions have a responsibility to help those living in terrible conditions in the third world. The following two additional quotes give a perspective on healthcare that is undervalued in society: “Medical education exists not to provide students with a way to earn a living, but also to ensure the health of the community,” and “Physicians they are the natural advocates of the poor, and social problems should largely be solved by them.” Doctors serve the sick and vulnerable. It is a fundamental responsibility to take care of the less fortunate. This is described in Catholic Social Teaching on options for the poor and vulnerable. Doctors should offer all people the opportunity to receive health care. Paul Farmer traveled miles to visit sick patients who otherwise could not have been treated. This practice is impressive, because Farmer goes out of his way to help these people. Farmer did everything he could to help the poor because he felt it was his duty to do so. When Paul Farmer spoke to the sister of the sick pregnant woman..