Oct 19, 2009, 12:01 GMT
Matt Damon says Gandhi inspired him to get involved in humanitarian work.
10/05/2009 - Matt Damon - The 'Bourne Ultimatum' actor - who works closely with Water.org and the ONE campaign - revealed his mother Nancy taught him to help others from a young age, just like peaceful civil rights leader Gandhi. © Janet Mayer / PR Photos
The 'Bourne Ultimatum' actor - who works closely with Water.org and the ONE campaign - revealed his mother Nancy taught him to help others from a young age, just like peaceful civil rights leader Gandhi.
He told Parade magazine: "When I was a boy, my mom had a magnet on the refrigerator with a little picture of Gandhi along with a quote from him. It said, 'No matter how insignificant what you do may seem, it is important that you do it'.
"As a child, I was raised to believe that, and to this day I do my best to live it.
"It's really powerful when you get to meet the people and shake their hands and listen to their stories."
The 39-year-old star - whose philanthropic work includes raising awareness about the global water crisis, extreme poverty and AIDS - is determined to ensure his children are also instilled with the desire to give something back to those less fortunate.
Matt - who raises three children, 11-year-old Alexia, Isabella, three, and 14-month-old Gia Zavala, with his wife Luciana - added: "I can't think of any more important value to instil in our children than the desire to help others.
"I feel strongly about setting an example for them. Real problems can be solved by the next generation if we instil in them the right values. I'm not a politician, and I don't want to tell anybody how to live.
"But I must say, all these years later, I still think Gandhi had the right idea. No matter how small the contribution we make may seem, it's crucial that we all do our part.
"In the future, I know these trips are something we'll do as a family."
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