…to be self-evident
- Knowledge is the true gold medal in life; coming from anywhere, anyone at anytime. I will seek to learn something new everyday.
- Open communication is the only form of communication. That which will always come with a cost.
- Canada is my home. From coast-to-coast-to-coast. And we rule when it comes to hockey!
- Creative content needs to be free; its creator to be respected. Respect and protect are two VERY different motivators.
- Karma will be the ultimate decider when we are called to be judged.
- Personal development is just that, personal. What is shared, at the time, is shared for the benefit of all.
- I am Canadian!
I appreciate that some of my more recent posts have taken on a more personal-theme, be it pensive, be it reflective – it is where I am in my life at the moment. I have had a lot to look into recently, whether it is by my own volition or through the help and guidance of others. Music, talks over coffee, long walks in the rain, time spent quietly pondering the questions that surface in my mind: all these act as some form of catalyst. And I am glad for it to come to me this way – I don’t think I would have learnt from it (and continue to learn by it) any other way.
I will now try to flesh out some of these points further…
Knowledge is the true gold medal in life.
This has to be pretty evident to one and all. If I’m not willing to learn, my mind will not be open to the infinite ideas that whiz around me at the speed of light. Some ideas I may not agree with and some I will defend passionately. It’s all a matter of perception. It’s naive to think that resolution will come about in some form, but at least there can be understanding (and respect for the other side gained).
The sky is blue, the grass is green these are quite literally the most self-evident truths, but being receptive to hear even the antithesis of these will allow me to keep a much boarder, more open perspective of the world. I see no sense in getting lost and tangled in the vagaries of life – rise above them.
Open communication is the only form of communication.
This obviously has the potential to come with heavy costs. But I’d rather have the risk versus than the reward of just towing the line. Of course timing and delivery all needs to be considered, and if not done precisely the way I want, I hope time will heal most misunderstandings (if not all) – I hope.
Canada is my home. From coast-to-coast-to-coast.
You need only look for Canada in the news over the last 2 1/2 weeks to get a sense of how much my/our young country has changed. I am so proud of my fellow Canadians – even more proud than I may have ever acknowledged personally. We have much more to give and will keep on giving, given the chance to do so. Not only in sports but in every aspect of life: culture, commerce and industry. Canada, as a nation is beginning to see their true potential. I believe.
Kevin Newman, spoke truthfully and openly about what the Games meant to him at the conclusion of yesterday’s Global National newscast [video]. It spoke to me and should speak to all Canadians – it was a call to arms really:
Our athletes, the people of Vancouver and Whistler, and their organising committee have given this country a gift with these games. We’ve been struggling with how to inspire ourselves to great projects, how to unite in purpose, how to engage young Canadians, and maybe even doubted that we could.
But these athletes and this city have shown us the way. Canadians will rise, and unite, when inspired and entrusted to. The aspiration to win is there, if we’re not afraid to declare it.
When that snowboarder in the Opening Ceremonies flew through the rings and landed; then swaggered to the crowd with confidence to declare these games open, he was introducing us to the Canadians we would be these three weeks, and now have the chance to become: bolder, badder, ready to compete with the world’s best. And this is who we need to be in the digital economy.
In a linked world that rewards creative energy, and innovation and risk, we’ve discovered that Canadian values grow sharper when tested, our culture attaches more firmly to our hearts. These Olympics have given us so much joy, so many instant friendships; so much beautiful, powerful, positive energy. So our task and the challenge to our leaders couldn’t be more clear:
Find a way to keep the flame alive in us.
Creative content needs to be free.
This is a recent realisation. But over the past couple of years, I am beginning to recognise that culture is best left to grow and flourish unrestricted. It all came about having read Lawrence Lessig’s Remix (published by Bloomsbury Academic) and seeing the possibilities the expression of art has if it is harnessed under a set of protective tools that respects the creator’s intentions. I even wrote my thesis on it and continue to try and keep up-to-speed on the debate. As a result, while even working in publishing (and understanding the importance of copyright), I believe the authors’ wishes need to be taken over the bottom line of the company.
Yes, of course, some creators get into it for only the reward of money, but so many more create for the sake of creating, sharing and expression – this is why I believe in the work done here.
Karma will be the ultimate decider - ’nuff said.
Skipping six and going straight for seven (you’re going to love this!)
