Green's openness to learning about himself and others by going out to notice and appreciate what most overlook-a crumbled landmark, an unexpected garden-is edifying.

It's hard to see Green in action and not think of traditional pilgrims on holy journeys and, perhaps, hermits or monks or others who have withdrawn from regular life.

While some more skeptical strangers seem to think Green is wasting his time, "World" makes it easy to admire the logic of his explanation that "It's just about the value of paying attention to something."

The mundane, methodical commitment is part of the brilliance of Green's story.