Three Cups of…Lies?

I am one of the owners of the over four million copies of humanitarian Greg Mortenson’s moving book, “Three Cups of Tea.” Now, I am one of the millions questioning the best-selling book’s accuracy.

This week I was severely disappointed to learn that large parts of “Three Cups of Tea” may not be true, according to a recent 60 Minutes expose (a VERY interesting 15 minute piece. I encourage you to watch it.).  Then again, the book may be entirely true. We just don’t know yet.

What is most definitely true is the fact that questions have been raised surrounding Mortenson’s praise-worthy accomplishments and non-profit organization that works to build schools (especially for girls) in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The person raising many of the questions is ironically enough Mortenson’s former financial backer and friend, Jon Krakauer. You can see his arguments in the 60 Minutes piece linked above, and read his expose on “Three Cups of Tea” here.

Mortenson has responded to the allegations saying he is not a journalist and therefore does not take notes. Thus, he admitted that some parts of his stories got “compressed.” Sounds fishy to me.

Someone sharing my sentiments is New York Times columnist, Nicholas Kristof. Not only does Kristof know Mortenson, but he knows the world of non-profits, and the fight for women’s education well too. I found his take on this sticky situation quite interesting.

Human beings are inherently imperfect. We fail and we fall. Regardless of what shakes out with Mortenson, I hope that his mission to give girls in volatile countries like Afghanistan the priceless and freeing gift of an eduction will continue.