As a teaser event to the launch of Becoming Better Ancestors, we visited with two public health icons as they discussed 9 Lessons to Change the World—nine proven, simple, reliable ways to create positive change consistently as we all tackle ever more complex problems across human societies. These 9 Lessons from the eradication of smallpox can be applied to the threats we face today and in the future. These lessons can empower us to become better ancestors—to leave the world better than we found it.

After developing and executing the strategy for the eradication of smallpox in the early 1970s, Dr. Foege and Dr. Brilliant have served as leaders on the front lines of public health ever since, helping humanity prevent and control infectious diseases, among other public health burdens. Listen to their collective wit, learn from their wisdom, and become inspired to use the 9 Lessons to take on today’s issues and tomorrow’s threats.