The story is about a young boy who, troubled by his mother's alcoholism and fears of his abusive but absent father, is caught up by an intriguing assignment from his new teacher. The assignment is to think of something that would change the world and put it into action. The young boy comes up with an idea of paying a favour forward instead of back, and in doing so to three people and not one. Telling them to do the same, not to repay the favour but to 'Pay it Forward'. The deed itself must be something that the recipient can not do for themselves, or would be very hard to do. It's not difficult to do the maths to see how quickly the favours grow. Although this is a fictional story it has sparked off a world wide good deeds programme and has truly changed the world or at least ignited a flame.
Ever done a favour for someone and felt they had to "pay it back"
Why not "pay it forward" instead
“Pay It Forward” is a book written by Catherine Ryan Hyde, but it's also an idea. Its not a new idea either but the book and the film provide an insight into the good that can be done by everyone for everyone. Although the story is fictional the result has been real as people all over the world are beginning to "pay it forward". Since the book was released in January of 2000, a real-life social movement has emerged worldwide. What began as a work of fiction has already become much more.
Although this is a fictional story it has sparked of a worldwide good deeds programme and has truly changed the world or at least ignited a flame. (Please visit the website http://www.payitforwardfoundation.org where you can find out more.)
