One of my favorite stops on my travels around the Internet is the website Humans of New York.

This site is the dream-made-manifest of Brandon Stanton, a bond trader turned street photographer who spends his days wandering around New York City, snapping pictures of people he comes across, spending a few moments chatting with them and hearing their stories, then (with their permission), posting those images and stories on his site. The posts are often funny, sometimes poignant, and always thought-provoking.

By sharing his dream with the world, this young man has tapped into something powerful and resonant. The site’s companion Facebook page has drawn over 18 million (and counting) followers in just a few short years. He has developed a passionate global fan base, among whom he has inspired some incredible and transformational acts of generosity. He’s been profiled on national news programs and in major magazines. The enormous popularity of his site even landed him a book ...