This video will restore your faith in humanity but, before you watch it, you need some background information.
This video was recorded in Spain—my home country. You probably have heard that it's suffering a terrible recession. The situation is terrible: six million people without a job, corrupt politicians everywhere, gangster banks repossessing homes after receiving bailouts funded by taxpayers, and inept bureaucrats running every institution of the country. People are fed up, disgusted and poor. But there's hope, as this video shows.
The ATM—placed in different cities—had a simple message on its screen:
Get 100 euros ($131). Without card.
When people stopped and clicked Yes, the ATM responded: "But only if you agree to share it." Again, everyone clicked yes. After that, the ATM asked if they needed any suggestions on how to share their newfound cash. Many people clicked yes again. The ATM gave several options, like "hire an storyteller for the kids in your neighborhood" or "buy diapers for a pregnant woman." After that, the ATM gave the people an envelope with 100 euros in cash inside, asking them to share the experience, but with absolutely no obligation to actually share it. People could just get the money and use it in any way they wanted.
Here's where things get interesting: the majority of people actually shared the money with others. In the video you can see some of the videos submitted, showing what they did. Diapers for women with kids, basketballs, tricycle, two theater tickets for an old couple, tortilla española to share with pedestrians in a cold night... and so on.
It's inspiring to see that, even in the face of adversity, people can be so good.
And sure, this was made by Coca-Cola, but that doesn't make it less touching or significant. It shows why Spaniards may have something to look forward to—if first they install a guillotine and start robespierring every corrupt politician, banker and syndicalist responsible for the country's ruin, that is.