Let’s Get Over Jeremiah Wright

Alright, America, it’s time to have a frank discussion regarding the current controversy surrounding Pastor Jeremiah Wright. For weeks now we’ve all seen the same video clips circulating the internet and the nightly news: Barack Obama’s former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, comparing the United States to Al Qaeda and enthusiastically declaring, “God damn America!” These remarks are insulting and offensive; nevertheless, this story is past its shelf-life and it is time to move on.

When this news originally broke I, like most Americans, was curious to see how Senator Obama would handle the media firestorm. I speculated that Barack would play it safe; attempting to distance himself from Wright’s comments without doing anything to offend the African American community. Yet, I believe the Senator’s speech on race relations in America was remarkably fair and frank. Barack Obama unequivocally rejected Pastor Wright’s hateful sentiments; nevertheless, he simultaneously acknowledged the close relationship he and his family shared with clergyman, and refused to disavow that friendship.Perhaps my strong opinions on this issue are influenced by my own, personal experience. Many of my friends are individuals of strong opinion. Though some may find their candor offensive, I enjoy the opportunity to talk with people who aren’t afraid to speak their minds. On many occasions I have had passionate debates with these friends that turned into shouting matches – eventually followed by a hug and handshake and a few rounds of pool. If I were ever publicly called upon to comment on a strong, potentially offensive opinion expressed by a close friend I might choose, like Senator Obama, to rebuff that opinion. Nevertheless, I would never consider abandoning a close friendship because of a controversial statement.

Ultimately, I am satisfied by Senator Obama’s assertion that he does not share his former pastor’s offensive views. Given the absence of any clear evidence to the contrary (i.e. personal remarks made by the Senator himself) it is unfair to ascribe Pastor Wright’s inflammatory sermons with Obama’s personal beliefs. As far as I’m concerned, Barack’s recent comments regarding the attitudes of low-income workers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are far more troubling than anything Pastor Wright has said. It’s startling to see how long this story has dragged on; between this and the voracious infighting between the Democratic candidates, it’s hard to escape the feeling that some unknown force in the universe is guiding John McCain to the White House.

Speaking of Senator McCain, it’s telling that even he has taken the position that the Wright controversy has gone on long enough. It has been reported that the Arizona senator personally condemned an advertisement the North Carolina Republican Party decided to run which played up the Wright-Obama connection. Perhaps most disturbing to me is the reaction of those who, like me, are deeply offended by Jeremiah Wright’s statements; if we believe these remarks are damaging to American race relations why are we giving them a media platform and keeping them in the news? As someone who remains undecided in my support of a presidential candidate, I can say this: when I do go to vote in November my decision will have nothing to do with the rhetoric of Pastor Wright.

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The Nature of Human Intelligence

The Human MindThe nature of human intelligence is one of the most intriguing and perplexing questions facing our species. I won’t attempt to answer the question of what, exactly, intelligence is – I could spend volumes making the attempt! For the sake of argument I’ll stick with a very simple, and probably incomplete definition; intelligence is an individual’s capacity to receive and process information in useful ways. With this in mind, the question I would rather consider is this: “What makes one person more intelligent than another?” Science offers tantalizing evidence for the roles that genetics and personal experience play in shaping a person’s intellectual aptitude. Without diminishing the importance of these arguments, I would like to take the conversation in a different direction and suggest that intelligence is largely determined by a person’s willingness to forsake assumptions.

Assumption is the foundation of human thought and action. It is the skeleton upon which we drape our ideas and behaviors. Like any skeleton, it provides us with necessary structure but also limits our flexibility. To assume is to arrive at a conclusion based on partial or incomplete data. Sometimes, we make assumptions because we lack access to all of the necessary information; often, our assumptions result from a willful desire to see things a certain way. In either scenario we deliberately abandon any further pursuit of knowledge or truth on a particular subject; we assume we know the answer – further study is deemed unnecessary.

Consider mankind’s view of the universe hundreds of years ago; many in the western world believed that the Earth was at the center of all creation. This idea was considered sacred – to speak otherwise was heresy. Complex formulas and models were created to explain the movement of the planets and the heavens under this assumption, models which appeared valid upon observation. Nevertheless, we know today that these models were wrong. Until astronomers such as Copernicus and Galileo came forth to challenge the assumption of Earth-centricity, mankind’s ability to progress in its understanding of space and physics was severely handicapped.

Such historical examples, which often stem from the conflict between science and religion, can lead one to believe (even assume) that the act of assumption is the greatest sin committed by an intelligent mind. Yet, while limiting, assumption is a necessary aspect of human life. There is simply too much information, too many variables to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the universe. Life itself frequently requires us to make decisions based on incomplete information; to forgo assumption altogether would render us completely inert – unable to act in any capacity.

When you really think about it, all accepted truth is largely based on assumptions of one sort or another. It is impossible to completely verify any of the ideas or principles we cling to as truths. Even the sights and sounds we experience are nothing more than electrical impulses interpreted by our brains (anyone who’s seen The Matrix is familiar with this concept). Ultimately, I would suggest that the only truth a person can claim to know absolutely is the reality of his/her own existence – that in some form another, he/she exists as a conscious entity. Or, to quote the famous philosopher Descartes, “I think, therefore I am.”

Our assumptions constitute acts of religious faith; to accept something as given is to regard it as sacred. To assert that something is sacred is to declare that it is beyond either question or reproach; therefore, it cannot and should not be challenged. It is important to recognize that all human beings are essentially religious creatures. One need not belong to an organized faith to express religious conviction. The importance of human life is a value widely accepted by believer and non-believer alike. When asked to defend this assumption, many will chafe at the question and dismiss its progenitor; often, a strong emotional response is triggered by such a challenge. I can only urge caution when questioning the basic assumptions held by another – you never know what will happen! I confess that it is much easier for me issue such challenges through the electronic medium of the internet.

This leads us to the conflict between intelligence and assumption; while it may be impossible to know a thing with certainty, it seems clear that careful effort or study can help us arrive at a closer approximation of what the truth probably is. Thus a flexible mind, a mind willing to abandon previous assumptions in light of new information, can obtain a clearer perception of truth and rise to higher levels of intelligence than another which is less flexible.

In light of this principle one may assume that the ideal course is to abandon all assumption – take nothing for granted. Nevertheless, this course of action would be highly imprudent; such flexibility could cause one’s perception of reality to become fluid to point of madness. Even if such a paradigm could be adopted without the unfortunate side-effect of insanity, it would still ultimately prove to be self defeating; a person who questions everything in the pursuit of knowledge must eventually question the validity of the very motives and values which compelled him/her to pursue knowledge in the first place!

Ultimately, each of us must decide what assumptions we are willing to make, and hence the knowledge to which we will or will not have access. Such decisions, while limiting in some respects, help to provide definition and clarity to our lives. Each of us must find that balance between flexibility and belief that yields the greatest level of personal satisfaction and peace-of-mind. The willful decision to accept such limitations, and thus restrain our own intelligence, can constitute an act of wisdom when handled with prudence and care. Perhaps it is this wisdom, and not the pursuit of limitless knowledge, that should be the ultimate goal of all conscious, intelligent beings.

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I’d Like to Believe

Sunset“I’d like to believe.” These words were uttered by a friend during a delicate discussion about some demoralizing problems he was having at his job. This individual wanted to believe that his accomplishments had been recognized by company brass, that he was seen as an asset to by his employers. Nevertheless, he was concerned that his attempts to renegotiate his compensation based on these efforts had not yielded any results. Thus the refrain, “I’d like to believe that my contribution is recognized by my leaders.”

This gentleman defended his desire to believe by stating that he was a person of deep religious faith. Religion had been a sustaining force in his recovery from drugs and alcohol years before; given the important role that faith had played in his life, he was unwilling to abandon the hope that his current circumstances might dramatically improve. Nevertheless, all the signs he’d recognized during his conversations with the leaders of his company seemed to suggest otherwise.

As I listened to him, it was interesting to consider the difference between hope and wishful thinking. On the surface, both concepts appear similar – both invoke a possible circumstance or outcome that cannot be immediately verified. Nevertheless, these two principles manifest a strikingly different impact on our lives. Hope breeds a sense of relief; it serves as a light through dark times and stems from the conviction that things will get better. Wishful thinking is the antithesis of hope; beneath its faux-faith exterior we find doubt and resignation. While hope provides relief, wishful thinking creates stress, pain and uncertainty.

Saying “I’d like to believe” is not an expression of faith. If you have faith, you believe – period. Yet many cling to wishful thinking for fear of losing hope, unaware that it is already gone. Letting go of false faith allows us to see things as they really are; though painful at first – like eyes adjusting to the bright sun after emerging from a dark enclosure – our perspective will eventually adjust and we will begin to see possibilities and options we hadn’t recognized before. As we begin to pursue these true solutions to our problems we can experience the relief and peace that true hope brings.

Ultimately, our ability to discard false faith and embrace the brutal facts of our circumstances – while simultaneously maintaining a positive attitude – will give us the emotional fortitude to confront the challenges life inevitably sends our way. Thus, we will not find ourselves wandering the bleak and dreary wasteland of “I’d like to believe”; instead we will develop the capacity to feel the sustaining influence that hope alone can provide.

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6 Simple Lessons of Effective Leadership

Compass and MapThroughout my professional career, I have had the opportunity to supervise and mange people in a variety of projects and circumstances. The experience of working with, and leading groups of talented, dedicated people has taught me some important lessons regarding effective management technique. Below are a few of the most important principles I’ve discovered.

Lesson 1: Two Types of Respect

There are two types of respect managers can receive from the people they lead: respect of title and respect of person. The first is a respect born from fear; subordinates fear the manager’s ability to fire them or take other punitive measures. The second type of respect is far more difficult to achieve; it is a respect of person and is born from the confidence that subordinates have in a manager’s abilities. They follow the leader because they believe he/she will lead them to better circumstances.

Lesson 2: The Round Table Principle

Good managers endeavor to follow King Arthur’s example. When Arthur counseled with his knights, they sat at a round table – a table with no “head”. Arthur was king and clearly wielded supreme authority, yet the round table was a forum where everyone could speak their mind as equals. When effective managers ask for the opinions of their subordinates they strive to create this same environment. While insisting that participants in such group conversations be respectful, good managers allow subordinates to freely express their opinions.

Another rule adhered to by effective managers is the equality of obligation they share with their subordinates; just as the subordinate is bound to fulfill the reasonable requests of a manager, a manager is likewise bound to fulfill the reasonable requests of the subordinate.

Lesson 3: Look for Problems in Systems, Not People

Perhaps one of the greatest mistakes I’ve seen otherwise good managers make is how they deal with widespread problems – such as the consistent failure of a particular group of people to meet required performance expectations. Experience has taught me that if a large group is underperforming it probably isn’t a problem with the people, but rather a problem with the system. Instead of “cracking the whip” a wise manager will look for problems in the underlying structure within which his/her people operate.

Lesson 4: Ask Questions Sincerely, Not Rhetorically

This brings us to one of the most important lesson I’ve discovered regarding effective management – learning to ask sincere questions. It isn’t uncommon for a manager to throw up his/her hands in frustration and exclaim, “Why can’t this group seem to get the job done!” Such questions are generally asked rhetorically – the manager assumes that the answer is laziness, disloyalty, or any other number of criticisms of his/her subordinates. Yet, when asked sincerely, this same question can lead to productive conversations that yield real results. Seeking to understand a problem, rather than leaping to emotion-based conclusions, is paramount for true leadership.

Lesson 5: Confront Mistakes Honestly

Leaders are looked to for answers and direction. Typically, a manager is assigned to his/her role after demonstrating a high level competence. As such, mistakes can tarnish the pristine image a manager attempts to display; nevertheless, far more damaging are a manager’s attempts to conceal the mistakes that he/she makes. When a manager attempts to hide the obvious, his/her people will quickly lose faith and worry that the mistake will be repeated in the future. Even worse, some managers will attempt to avoid responsibility for their mistakes by passing the blame on to their subordinates. Confronting mistakes honestly will allow the damage sustained by the leader’s reputation to heal as quickly as possible, and allow him/her to maintain a strong relationship of mutual respect with his/her subordinates.

Lesson 6: Know When to Push for Change, and When to Respect the Status Quo

Finally, wise leaders are constantly pushing their people to rise to new heights and tackle new challenges; nevertheless, they do not celebrate change merely for change’s sake. They approach new opportunities with a sense of optimism and pragmatism, and thus maintain morale by ensuring their people are engaged in productive endeavors with a high probability of success.

The interesting thing about these lessons – on the surface they appear to serve the interests of one’s subordinates at the expense of the company; however, the opposite is actually true. The loyalty produced by this type of leadership will compel a company’s employees to work for more than just a paycheck – they will become emotionally invested in the overall success of the business. This loyalty is a precursor of grand achievement – both for the manager and his/her team.

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The Devil Inside

Devil“I trust everyone; it’s the devil inside them I don’t trust.” This memorable quote is uttered John Bridger (played by Donald Sutherland) in the 2003 movie The Italian Job as he discusses an upcoming gold heist with his fellow thieves. This paranoid sentiment is dramatically validated when Bridger himself is gunned down shortly after the heist by one of his colleagues who decided to keep all of the gold for himself. This startling betrayal highlights an interesting and disturbing aspect of human nature.

As I’ve personally watched the behavior of people in the laboratory of high-pressure, corporate politics I’ve found that it’s hard not to become cynical. Everywhere one looks people seem absolutely hell-bent on tearing each other down, hoping to prevail at the expense of another. Like so many vultures, they circle the wounded animal hoping to pluck a few scraps of meat from its carcass. Betrayal, intrigue and gossip are rampant. Even among organizations that purport to uphold standards of trust and honesty this behavior still prevails.

During the course of my career I’ve witnessed this cannibalistic behavior first-hand – behavior that goes well beyond the limits of healthy competition. From time-to-time I’ve questioned the would-be Judas about his conduct, confronting him with the dubious motives his acts demonstrate. Yet, when faced with this obvious correlation such an individual will vehemently deny any negative intentions. “I’m not trying to undermine so-and-so!” or “I’m not trying to steal that person’s job!” are common refrains during such an exchange. These declarations are made with such force and conviction that it is difficult to doubt their sincerity.

How is this possible? How can a person have no intention of hurting another, yet behave in a way that is so perfectly congruent with that nefarious motive? I’ve seen this pattern all too often to write it off it as mere coincidence. Somehow, otherwise good and honest people frequently behave in ignoble ways with no apparent knowledge of the probable consequences. This apparent discontent between motive and action is difficult to reconcile until one recalls John Bridger’s familiar refrain, “I trust everyone; it’s the devil inside them I don’t trust.”

Think back for just a moment to the cartoons you used to watch as a kid. Remember what happened when a cartoon character was faced with a difficult moral dilemma? Suddenly, a little angle would appear on one shoulder, a tiny devil on the other. The angel and devil would argue back and forth, trying to convince the cartoon character to choose the path of good or evil. Comical as this may sound, I believe that such actors – though invisible – inhabit the shoulders of almost all human beings. Ultimately, we all have our own little angels and devils with which to contend.

Sigmund Freud postulated that our darker impulses originate from a part of our personality he termed “the Id”. According to Freud, this aspect lacked any moral compass and was driven by selfish desire. In many ways, the Id could be considered synonymous with one’s “little devil”, but I believe the latter is much more than purely selfish impulse. All too often the reprehensible behavior I’ve witnessed is more than a simple, momentary flicker of egoism – patterns emerge which demonstrate high-level, even strategic thinking.

I believe the devil inside could be considered a separate consciousness, driven by base impulses but simultaneously capable of rational thought. This inner fiend can carefully weigh choice and consequence, can develop intricate plans, without stirring our active consciousness. Thus, when the little devil whispers in our ear, encourages us to take steps that will ultimately lead us to prosper at another’s expense, we can deny any knowledge of the grand design. “I never meant for this happen – I never thought you would get hurt!” are words commonly spoken by those who’ve reaped the benefit from another’s fall.

I don’t have any scientific basis for these assumptions – perhaps it’s wishful thinking – but I have to believe that the majority of the people I’ve witnessed tearing each other down simply aren’t cognizant of the true impact of their actions. It’s been interesting for me to carefully examine my own personal behavior – to recognize the times that I may have been influenced in word and deed by such a malevolent entity. It’s harrowing to consider how a simple act in the wrong time, or the wrong place can have such a significant impact on the fortunes of another.

While ignorance of the possible consequences of one’s actions offers some acquittal, ultimately a person knows from whence ignoble suggestions come. Those who endeavor to live lives of service and value to others would do well to recognize the presence of their own “little devils” and strive to acknowledge their own true feelings and motives. This recognition will also allow a person to actively guard against the potentially damaging behavior of their peers, without simultaneously condemning them as evil. Thus, like John Bridger, we can trust everyone – but keep an eye on that mischievous devil that lurks within us all.

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Sharpening Your Teeth: The Importance of Developing Your Competitive Spirit

TigerVictory is life, its absence is death. Life is a collection of events and memories stemming from choice and consequence. Our experiences shape our character and define who we are. The significance of our experiences demonstrates our quality of life; as one reflects on the past, how many truly significant memories stand out? Aside from the typical milestones of graduation, marriage, funerals and other major events, how many significant memories has one collected over the years? Think about your activities over the last several weeks – does anything significant stand out, or does one day seem to blend into the next? What about the weeks previous? Those who find their days slipping by without ceremony will arrive at the end of their lives realizing that they’ve never truly lived. Life is meant to be a treasure trove of amazing experience, and the essence of this experience is the essence of victory itself.

What is victory? Merriam-Webster defines victory as the “achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties.” In other words, victory is more than getting out of bed and tying your shoelaces. Victory is the reward for those “soldiers of fortune” that seek out and participate in important daily battles; they embrace challenge and constantly strive for ways to prove themselves – and they hate to lose. This hunger to win has characterized great victors throughout the centuries.

The first key to winning great victories is to pick your battles carefully. What are your priorities? If your life was to be defined by one, single accomplishment – what would you want it to be? With the finite 24 hours given each of us everyday, we must decide which battles must be fought and won. The rewards of wealth, success and happiness for self and family will be the medals you earn for carefully choosing your daily battles and fighting them vigorously.

Perhaps the most important key to winning great battles is that winning has to matter! You must decide nothing less than absolute victory in the pursuit of your goals will satisfy you. Of course, defeat and setback is something every warrior will face – and it is true that these temporary failures can provide valuable learning experiences that will help you in future battles. Nevertheless, we often use the idea of failure as a means of education to comfort ourselves and to avoid feeling the pain of defeat. Defeat should sting! The pain of defeat and the desire to prevent regret is a powerful motivator, compelling us to give our all in the pursuit of an important enterprise.

As we choose our battles and pursue success, we will find that others share our interests and are pursuing the same objectives. Many times, cooperation with these individuals is possible, and the rewards of success can be equally shared amongst all; however, often we will find ourselves in direct competition with these same individuals for a prize that can only be claimed by one. As salespeople we can work together to lift and build one another – the rewards of wealth and success and can shared by many; nevertheless, there can only be one “top dog”. This individual will enjoy prestige and status that simply cannot be shared with anyone else. The development of your competitive spirit is an essential part of claiming these coveted rewards.

What is competitive spirit? It is the belief that your capacity for success is no less than that of another, and then backing up that belief with action. Having a competitive spirit does not mean that you wish for another to fail so that you can succeed – rather, you push yourself to exceed the standards of excellence established by your peers. To triumph over another who has failed miserably in his endeavors is meaningless; to conquer when faced with a worthy opponent will yield the satisfaction desired by a truly competitive individual.

To emerge victorious against strong competition will require you to be resourceful – you must apply careful thought and energy to your endeavors. Learning to “think outside the box” is an important part of being competitive; nevertheless, this does not give you license to play outside the rules. A resourceful mind finds avenues to victory while abiding the by foreordained rules of engagement – cheating or using blatantly unfair tactics will drain the potency of your triumphs, and ultimately poison your competitive soul. As you exercise your creative energies you will find that your capacity to see new opportunities expands, and you will find more efficient ways to achieve your goals and maintain your competitive edge.

Everyday you are challenged by those around you and even life itself has thrown down the gauntlet, asking if you are worthy of its most treasured rewards. Will you accept the challenge? Sun Tzu, a great Chinese general and military philosopher stated, “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.” You must wage your daily battles with the firm confidence and resolution that your efforts will yield the desired victory. A strong competitive spirit will give you access to many of life’s greatest experiences, and define your legacy of grand achievement.

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Does God Want John McCain to be President?

This is a strange world we live in, but sometimes things happen which seem to transcend the boundaries of reality and compel us to acknowledge the possible hand of Providence in their occurrence. Nowhere can this be seen more clearly than in the implausible ascent of John McCain to claim the Republican nomination for president.

Shortly after announcing his candidacy, John McCain declared himself the presumptive nominee for the Republican Party. For a short while even the press played along; however, it wasn’t long before several challengers emerged and knocked the Arizona Senator off his pedestal. McCain quickly fell behind Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney and even Mike Huckabee in pre-primary polls. McCain’s support for the war and initially unpopular “Surge” alienated independent voters, while his reputation as a maverick in the Republican Party troubled the conservative base. Serious cash flow problems and campaign downsizing appeared to be harbingers of certain doom for the senator. Yet, in spite of all this, McCain is now the Republican candidate for the presidency. What the…? Think about all of the things that had to happen in order for McCain to win the Republican nomination:

  • Mitt Romney’s failure to gain momentum in early voting states where he was highly favored to win.
  • Mike Huckabee’s failure to carry the momentum from his victory in Iowa into the South, where he was presumed to have an advantage with evangelical voters.
  • Rudy Giuliani’s complete and total implosion.
  • Fred Thompon’s inability to capitalize on the early excitement surrounding his candidacy.
  • Mike Huckabee’s decision to stay in the primary through the voting on “Super Tuesday”, despite dubious odds of success, thus blocking any potential comeback by Mitt Romney.

Like a soufflĂ© all the ingredients had to come together just right. If even one of these elements had been missing it’s unlikely John McCain would have stood a chance. Now, we look toward the general election and again see the work of some invisible force guiding McCain to the oval office.

Let’s face it; the 2008 election belonged to the Democrats – at least it was supposed was to. An unpopular war, a flagging economy and strong dissatisfaction with the current Republican administration seemed poised to give this election to the Democrats on a silver platter. And yet, the Democratic nomination has devolved to what TV talk show host Stephen Colbert flippantly describes as “Democralypse Now!” Senator McCain’s money problems are largely offset by fact that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are spending vast sums of money attacking one another. Some have even gone so far as to say that John McCain was real winner of the recent Democratic debate in Philadelphia! As the Democratic nomination wears on, with no quick end in sight, Senator Clinton’s attacks against Senator Obama’s experience seem to be working – but not without diminishing her own image with the American public in the process. Thus, the Democrats are tearing each other apart and McCain hardly needs to lift a finger.

If John McCain wins the presidency his victory will be chronicled as one of the most improbable comebacks in political history. The most strident atheist will have to reexamine his/her paradigm when attempting to explain this astonishing event. The hand of Providence seems clear; now whether one believe that the Arizona senator is destined to be our savior in troubled times, or the harbinger of the Apolypse whose true purpose is to hasten the end of civilization as we know it and instigate the Rapture, probably depends on whether you are a Republican or a Democrat.

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The Virtue of the Status Quo

American Gothic by Grant WoodThe easiest way to procure the loyalty of the masses is to exploit their discontent with the status quo. Few terms are more reviled than these two words; for many, the status quo stands for stagnation, mediocrity and corruption. Historically, our greatest heroes are those who challenged the prevailing wisdom of their age: Martin Luther, who challenged entrenched ideas regarding faith and worship; Albert Einstein, who challenged our understanding of gravity and physics; and Rosa Parks, who challenged national assumptions regarding race and segregation. These are just a few of the many people who have upended the status quo, and left an indelible footprint on history in the process.

The term “status quo” is derived from Latin, and means the present or existing state of affairs. The grand experiment of human society suggests that civilization will always require refinement; perfection is not a destination but a journey. Certainly, those brave souls who quit us from our complacency deserve our admiration and respect; nevertheless, there are many unsung heroes who merit praise for doing exactly the opposite. These heroes recognize that the status quo is not always evil; they implore us to pause and exercise restraint, even as the winds of change would sweep us up in a turbulent cacophony of rapture and triumph.

Ultimately, change must not be celebrated merely for change’s sake. To understand this concept, it is helpful to recognize the difference between the concepts of evolution and mutation as they occur in nature. For the sake of this argument, we’ll narrowly define these terms as follows: evolution is the necessary process by which organisms adapt and thrive in a changing environment; mutation is change run-amok, and often produces negative side effects. In nature, a species may evolve over time to move from a fertile environment to an arid one – doing so helps it acclimate to changes in its surroundings. In stark contrast to this example we may find an organism which randomly sprouts an extra limb or appendage due to genetic abnormality – rather than help the organism, this mutation serves as a debilitating handicap and reduces its odds for survival and procreation.

Our common challenge is learning to recognize the agents of change who advocate healthy evolution, and those who promote radical, harmful mutation. Unfortunately, our natural inclination toward discontent blurs our vision and makes such distinctions difficult. Why are we so eager to embrace these revolutionaries? What internal dynamic makes their zealous appeal so intriguing? I believe the answer lies in the frightening reality that our greatest strengths as a species are intertwined with our greatest weaknesses. Among these is a natural desire to rise above our present circumstances; once a civilization attains any measure of success or prosperity, previous benchmarks begin to lose their luster. Boredom prevails. Unhappy with the status quo, we ask ourselves, “Can’t we do better?” Innocuous though this question may first appear, it takes on a dangerous aspect when we fail to consider the corresponding counter, “Could we do worse?”

Consider the old tale of the man and the goose that laid golden eggs. A peasant farmer makes the happy discovery that one of his animals, a goose, has begun to lay eggs made of solid gold. Though initially thrilled by the dramatic improvement to his lifestyle provided by the magical goose, he quickly becomes unhappy with the rate at which the gold is produced. Convinced that he can obtain an immediate reward by cutting the goose open and harvesting all of the gold he believes is waiting inside, the man foolishly destroys this miraculous wealth creating animal. No gold is found inside the dead creature. His desire for more condemns him to less.

Humanity’s progressive nature is both its greatest strength and its greatest liability. The story above is an example of greed and avarice, but our natural discontent can manifest itself in other ways. Often, our desire for a “better way” is a reaction to difficult or trying circumstances. The Great Depression provides a historical example of this impulse. Most historians credit the beginning of the Great Depression to the stock market crash on October 29, 1929 – often referred to as “Black Tuesday”. In the wake of this economic disaster, Congressman W.C. Hawley and Senator Reed Smoot proposed a comprehensive set of tariffs on imported goods. By raising the price imports, they argued, American businesses would face less competition at home while continuing to sell their goods abroad. The bill to enact these tariffs became known as the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act. Over one thousand economists signed a petition begging then President Hoover to veto this bill; nevertheless, in response to the prevailing sense of national desperation, the feeling that something had to be done, the bill was signed into law on June 17, 1930. Once the United States began imposing tariffs on imports from other countries, those same countries retaliated by imposing tariffs on American goods. International trade became stagnate. The Great Depression descended to catastrophic levels.

The rallying cry for change is hard to ignore in crisis situations. The possibility of an easy solution or “quick-fix” is frighteningly seductive. This siren call of miraculous transformation blurs our perspective; thus, our desire to believe is so strong we often fail to ask the questions that will reveal the true nature of the proposed solution – be it helpful evolution or harmful mutation. Ironically, in the example of the Great Depression many historians point to signs that the economy was beginning to recover before the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act was passed; so much of the pain and misery experienced during this dark chapter in American history could have been avoided if we had taken a measured, deliberate approach to the crisis. If only we had stuck with the status quo!

Whether our greed in times of plenty, or our anxiety in times of need, discontent can be a powerful instrument when harnessed by those who would use it to pursue their own agendas. Many have noted that Adolf Hitler’s meteoric rise to power was only possible in the climate of despair that prevailed in Germany following World War I. Though he initially delivered on his promise of prosperity, his philosophies ultimately lead to Germany’s disintegration and disgrace – the stain of the Holocaust lasting to the present day.

How do we distinguish the true agents of progress, the prophets of positive change, from the charlatans who would lead us to ruin? The wisdom to make this distinction is not easily won; it requires us to separate reason from passion. We must learn to separate our beliefs from our desires, seeing things as they are and not as we want them to be. Though change may be necessary, it is never free. If we heed the call to walk a different road we must endeavor to recognize the unavoidable cost and prepare to pay the toll.

Beware the advocate who seeks to enlist you in a cause while speaking only glibly about its required sacrifice; the Devil is always in the details. An easy example of this pretense is the politician who validates the fears and frustrations of a population; he offers bold promises of change, but fails to describe the necessary cost. Frequently, the rhetoric of such a person is mistaken for strength – we applaud his resolve and reward him with our votes. This deceit is not confined to the world politics; a struggling business may entertain a radical proposal to “turn the corner”, and make a hasty decision which leads to disaster. Individually, those struggling to make ends-meet are often easy prey for snake-oil salesmen who offer a path to wealth without sacrifice. In any event, a pragmatic approach is required to properly assess our opportunities and avoid making “Faustian bargains” with unforeseen consequences.

There is a fine line between pessimism and pragmatism; frequently the latter is mistaken for the former. Pessimists only see the impossible; unwilling to acknowledge the prospect of hope they consistently argue against change and progress. Pragmatists understand the necessity of change, but wisely seek to appraise its value and assess its price. Pragmatists may review a plan for improvement and find that the costs outweigh the benefits. In such circumstances, their admonitions and calls for restraint are derided by those who seek to advance the cause. Even when they succeed in stemming the tide of harmful mutation, their accomplishments are quickly forgotten. History isn’t very generous toward the unsung heroes of the status quo.

Perhaps the greatest irony in the conflict between progress and the status quo is the inseparable nature of these two opposing concepts. What we consider common-place today was once radical and revolutionary. The advocates of change yesterday laid the foundation for the status quo as we know it in the present. These revolutionaries vigorously fought to imprint their ideals on human society; the fact that their ideas attained a level of permanence is a testament to their quality. Though times change, and once beneficial ideas become obsolete, we should proceed cautiously before discarding the wisdom of the past. Sadly, the very nature of the status quo compels us to take it for granted; only through conscious, disciplined effort can we truly appreciate the legacy it represents. Such wisdom will allow us to address the vices of the status quo, without forsaking its virtue.

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