Have you ever felt like small actions don’t really matter? Sometimes, we get caught up in the idea that change only comes from grand gestures, major inventions, or powerful leaders. But history — and our everyday lives — show us something radically different.
Take the Bic pen as an example. It’s cheap, made of plastic, and doesn’t seem particularly special. But this tiny object has changed the world in ways we rarely stop to consider. It revolutionized how we communicate, learn, and share ideas.
Before the the 1950s, writing was more complicated, and often expensive or inconvenient. People used fountain pens, which could leak, required frequent refills, were hard to maintain, and weren’t even accessible to everyone. Especially students and those in developing countries.
But then came the Bic Cristal — a simple, reliable, and disposable ballpoint pen that worked effortlessly, lasted a long time, and could be mass-produced at an incredibly low cost.
Suddenly, education became more accessible because children around the world had the tools to write. More ideas were put on paper. So businesses grew faster, and became more efficient. Contracts were signed, exams were taken, stories were written.
Something as small as a pen helped empower millions.
But the power of small things isn’t just about inventions. Think about how a kind word can lift someone’s spirits. A simple smile can change a person’s entire day. Holding the door for a stranger, sending an unexpected thank you, even picking up a piece of litter. These tiny actions have a ripple effect.
Even in nature, small things create massive change. A single raindrop may seem insignificant, but together, millions of drops carve rivers, shape landscapes, and sustain life. One seed, barely the size of a pebble, can grow into a towering tree that provides shade, shelter, and oxygen for generations.
So why do we so often overlook the power of small things? Perhaps we assume that impact must be immediate and visible. But the truth is, real change often happens quietly, over time, through consistent, small efforts.
The world doesn’t only need big heroes or grand gestures — it needs people who believe that small things matter. Because they do.
So I’m not saying you should never swing for the fences. But today, I encourage all of us to pay attention to the small things. Appreciate them. Use them. Be the person who also makes a difference in tiny ways. Because one small act might not change the world instantly — but together, millions of them can.
