Dr. Larry Brilliant

Dr. Larry Brilliant is a pioneering physician, visionary technologist and global philanthropist who was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people. His memoir, Sometimes Brilliant, is a remarkable story that illuminates some of the most significant moments in the Baby Boomer generation of activists and spiritual seekers. Currently the Chair of the Skoll Global Threats Fund, which focuses on ending pandemics and the threats posed by climate change and other challenges, Dr. Brilliant’s life of public service began in the Himalayan ashram of the great spiritual teacher Neem Karoli Baba, who told him to work for the World Health Organization and help eradicate smallpox. Later, he co-founded, with Ram Dass and others, Seva Foundation, whose programs have given sight to more than 4 million blind people in dozens of countries. We talked about his time with Neem Karoli and how the guru’s legacy continued to inspire and inform Larry’s work in public health. Learn more about Larry Brilliant here.