"If you're totally illiterate and living on one dollar a day, the benefits of globalization never come to you."

The essence of this quote is that globalization—despite its widespread benefits—doesn't reach everyone equally. If you're struggling for basic survival, those grand economic opportunities don't mean much. It's like everyone's at a feast, but you weren't even invited to the party.

Think about it. Globalization has done amazing things for so many people. It's created jobs, connected markets, and made it possible for someone sitting in one part of the world to offer services to someone thousands of miles away. But, if you're living in extreme poverty and can't read or write, these opportunities are out of reach. You don't have the skills or resources to tap into this global network.

Historically speaking, this became a glaring issue during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. As technology boomed and the internet connected the world, those already equipped with education and some financial backing rode the wave. But millions got left behind—particularly in developing countries where education and basic living conditions lagged.

Let me give you a real-world example. Take Sahar, a woman living in a remote village in Bangladesh. She works hard every day, tending to her small plot of land and looking after her family. She can't read or write and earns less than a dollar a day. While the country has seen some economic improvements thanks to globalization—like the booming garment industry—these benefits haven't trickled down to her. She lacks the education to even know about these opportunities, let alone seize them. Her day-to-day survival takes every ounce of her energy.

So, what can we take from this? How do we bridge this gap? First off, education is key. If you're in a position to help, consider supporting initiatives that provide basic education and skills training to those in impoverished areas. Volunteer, donate, or raise awareness. On a smaller scale, think about how you can use your own resources wisely. If you're running a business, look at ways to offer training and fair wages to workers in developing regions.

Now, imagine this scenario: You're having coffee with a friend, and they tell you about a great new app they've been using to learn French. It's interactive, fun, and fits into their busy schedule. You think it sounds great. But then you remember your grandmother, who barely speaks English, let alone uses a smartphone. She wouldn't be able to benefit from this app at all. It's the same with globalization. Without the foundational skills and resources, its advantages are as distant as that French app to your grandma.

In short, if we want the fruits of globalization to be shared more equitably, we must address these basic inequalities first. Only then can we ensure that everyone gets an invite to the global feast.