George has a very keen interest in Australian history and that is what has led him to do what he does. The Art of Humanity will be released in Canberra at the War Memorial on the 7th July and is a sequel to his first book The Art of Sacrifice. Interestingly, his presentation to us was the 23rd that he has done in recent times and the book has not yet been released. It would make a wonderful “Coffee Table” book.
The purpose of his books is to commemorate and remember the sacrifices and the wonderful humanity that these people have shown. They don’t like to advertise what they do or look for kudos, in fact they shy away from it. George believes that we need to know their stories and that these people should be remembered. George linked Rotary to the meaning of humanitarian as it is what we practice.
Women are highlighted in the book as they are often left out or overlooked. The book is comprised of 6 sections: International Trailblazers, Female Trailblazers, Male Trailblazers, WWoWW! (Wonder Women of World War I), Military Trailblazers and the last section Beacons of Hope, highlights a number of Australians of the Year from recent years.
There are 40 portraits (22 women and 18 men) and 40 Authors who have written a piece about each. These narratives are written by descendants, by people who are interested in the person and people who have already written about the person.
George chooses his subjects after having heard about them from friends and contacts. He then researches thoroughly before making his final choices. George believes that everyone who went to war has a story and that we must not forget the sacrifices made and the humanitarians who tried to help.
George has decided to exhibit and sell his portraits from the Beacons of Hope section for $10,000 each and donate the money to the charities represented by the Australian of the Year subjects: Amar Singh (Turbans 4 Australia), Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett (Orange Sky), Dr. Daniel Nour (Street Side Medics), Valma Dempsey (50 years volunteering for St. John’s Ambulance), Tom Calma (various First Nations Charities). The paintings have already been bought by a friend, who was instrumental in nominating each of these subjects.
“In exploring what makes a person a humanitarian, we uncover something essential about ourselves: a potential for goodness that transcends circumstance and background. This is not simply a collection of life stories; it is a testament to the boundless capacity for empathy that lives within each of us…..Each story invites us to imagine a world where compassion is as natural as breath and to realise that, perhaps, the seeds of that world already exist in each of us.” (Michael Williams)
George closed with a poignant quote from Pericles (Greek Politician, Statesman and General in ancient times), but the words are still powerful and relevant today……“What you leave behind is not engraved in stone monuments….but woven into the lives of others.”
Please use the link to find out more about these Humanitarians and others and the wonderful record of their achievements. https://georgepetrou.com.au/the-art-of-humanity/
We thank George for his inspiring talk and passion.
