Not One Man of Steel, But a Society of Strength

"My father believed that if the world found out who I really was, they'd reject me.  He was convinced that the world wasn't ready.  What do you think?"

 

On so many levels, this is brilliant, timely writing.

 

I don't think we would be ready for a Superman in our midst.  We're too fearful of feeling insignificant in the grand scheme of things. 

 

This isn't an issue, though; whether we're waiting for a saviour or not, nobody's going to come down from on high and raise us up. 

 

That's the big secret - we'll only get there on our own, together.

 

Which is why I have to disagree with the writing team on one point - the solution isn't to look at the world as an island.  It's to recognize we're not islands and start bridging the gap.

The 407, Charity and Don Drummond:

Lots of wealthy people would disagree with this, but I gotta say - I know a few pretty rich folk and they really aren't any happier than less-heeled people; they have more opportunity and more stuff, but it doesn't seem to feel the hole:

 

Of all the important and interesting findings Dr. Kahneman and Dr. Deaton's research has uncovered, the most reported finding is that people with an annual household income of $75,000 are about as happy as anyone gets.

 

Then, I found this interesting - italics are mine:

 

A key stumbling block is that Parmar is seeking a percentage of any savings he finds as compensation. He’s also said he would accept payment in the form of a government appointment or increased provincial funding to fight ovarian cancer.

 

Here's a guy that's found the secret; offer value, but don't just seek more stuff in return - gain in terms of self-satisfaction and personal brand by giving value back.

 

Don Drummond provides a great example of this kind of thinking, which I believe we'll be seeing more of.