2016 has begun with the passing of some of the world's finest entertainers. While the thought of death saddens me, it is incredibly pleasing to benefit from the legacy these titans of industry have left behind.
Indeed, one's life goal should be:
To have lived, influenced and left your mark on the world!
For every man/woman who has touched the world with their bravery, there are millions of people who have lived without purpose.
Profoundly Sad!
Our degree of fame does not determine our degree of influence on the world because popular opinion differentiates nothing.
To establish influence one must be willing to risk being unpopular:
- To cross arms in judgement is easy.
- To stand before applause does not necessarily involve risk.
- No one ever achieved the honor of influence by doing what everyone else does.
I am not a confrontational person. In fact, I strive to make everyone happy. That said, I have for a very long time been able to determine that popular opinion does not determine quality.
Counter Intuitive Thinking
Caitlin Flanagan recently reminded me that journalists seek methods of counter-intuitive thinking to better provoke thought leadership. I don't believe that sensationalism should determine popularity but I do appreciate the willingness to consider all viewpoints before taking action.
If in each day you were able to temper your opinions by considering both sides.... how much more interesting would your life be?
Moral Courage
I've never promoted myself as a person of high moral character but I do consider myself a good guy.
I never used my values as a means to judge others. It's profoundly difficult to allow oneself the privilege of determining an elevated spot on the moral high ground. Who am I to judge?
To be prideful is not to be aggressive.
To be opinionated is not to be judgmental.
To be a Gentleman is an act of feminism.
Leadership is an act of servitude.
No one ever got famous by following the crowd.
Don't Forget to Remember!
Dave
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