Recently, I posted these words on Facebook: You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one. I didn’t consider this to be a profound or controversial statement… not until the responses started rolling in. The first response, “So very true Michael. We must continue to move forward!” was followed by, “Hmmm. Memory whether we like it or not, exists and is triggered by many causes. To not read your past and put it into perspective, could be very damaging to the individual. A form of suppression. You can start the next chapter but need to keep the narrative going, otherwise you will become a deluded person.” And so it began…

As I read down the line of comments, this thought came to mind: Contrary to what many writers may believe, readers bring their own meaning to our words. While writing The Power of Teamwork I stated, “The dictionary defines words… we give them meaning.” Words mean different things to different people at different times and places. Eventually I weighed in on my post with this response: “Growing from our past is productive… attempting to live there isn’t. Yes, it’s fine (and sometimes healthy and productive) to occasionally revisit our past. Like re-reading a ‘good’ book… the content remains unchanged, yet we find new meaning… and sometimes profoundly so. That’s because we’ve changed—our perspective is different. The opposite can also be true… sometimes we re-read a ‘good’ book and discover the magic it once held for us is gone. When I wrote my original post, I was thinking about getting unstuck… moving on. Many people struggle with this ‘stuck’ condition. They can’t get past the past. When we continually attempt to re-live moments, we inadvertently let the past control our present. Change is constant… and life isn’t a stagnant event. Each moment is an original page… an opportunity to create something new… something unique and meaningful. Regardless of where we derive our inspiration—whether it’s reflecting on our past, projecting our future, living in the moment… all or none of the above… life continues on, with or without us.”

As readers and writers, we each bring our own meaning to words. My original post, “You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one,” now carries a different meaning for me than when I first wrote it. While words remain the same, the context of life is ever changing… and over time, the more layers, the more perspectives… the more significant these changes become. Imagine what happens to words over thousands of years. What did or didn’t the authors(s) really mean? You tell me!

Recently, I posted this question on Facebook, “To live a moral life, do people require the promise/threat of eternal rewards or punishments?”

It received many interesting responses… several were sent to me personally. For pantheists, atheists and others, my question posed little challenge. While some religious practitioners suggested eternal rewards and punishments were extra incentives, the majority claimed they would continue living a moral life, regardless of afterlife consequences. While concepts of heaven and hell appear in many religions, I’m limiting my discussion to monotheistic religions of the Abrahamic tradition, since many FB responders identified themselves as such.

I must confess, this subject intrigues me. My grandfathers were evangelical preachers… need I say more? I’ve spent many years discussing theology, studying religion, philosophy… and pondering life. But like Odysseus, I’ve ordered myself tied to the mast as to stay on topic during this post.

If the promise/threat of eternal rewards or punishments have little (if any) influence on people’s moral behavior, why do they exist? In the early Bible, the concept of heaven, hell or Satan didn’t exist. Should someone have referenced these subjects with a Hebrew from the time of Moses, they wouldn’t understand. What changed? Why propose such an idea? No doubt, such questions will generate countless responses. Let me propose one—it explains why those who follow God’s law are sometimes punished on earth while those who don’t, are sometimes rewarded. It offers the promise of retribution. With this belief in place, the just find earthly injustice more tolerable. While a perceived problem is sometimes an unseen solution, the opposite can also be true. The intended and unintended consequences of believing in eternal rewards or punishments is readily evident. Just pick up a history book or turn on the TV.

Some FB responders asked me to define a moral life. For the sake of this discussion, I’ll define it as living one’s life according to the ethic of reciprocity (Golden Rule). In one form or another, this maxim has existed for thousands of years throughout countless cultures, and is foundational to most religions, moral philosophies and healthy societies.

Have you ever noticed how our perceived enemies are demonized… given derogatory labels, portrayed as different from us… presented as a threat, unworthy or evil? This is no accident. It violates the ethic of reciprocity. Take farm animals for example… by labeling pigs “pork bellies” and cows “beef”… and so on, it’s easier to dismiss them as living feeling beings like us. Once dehumanized, labeled as food items, we can better justify the inhumane treatment they receive. In contrast, when loved ones are involved, we focus on our similarities, assign meaningful descriptions and create glowing images of them for ourselves and others to see. We put ourselves in their shoes and by extension, we make connections… we feel their pain and joy. We would do most anything for them. You might say, our moral beliefs and actions can create heaven or hell on earth… we decide.

So what happens to us when we die? I don’t know. Neither does anyone else. What I do know, based on observation, reflection… and FB responses… is that living a moral life, regardless of what happens after we die, resonates with most people. Living a moral life creates more happiness and fulfillment than not living one. Not only for ourselves, but for others, too… including those not yet born. Yes, our afterlife does live on in the hearts and minds of those who survive us. While the ethic of reciprocity provides moral guidance, it also creates awareness and establishes a wonderful litmus test for any society. Imagine if our social, political and business discussions and decisions were centered on the Golden Rule.

Note: Fortunately, I’m still tied to the mast. The Sirens have been luring me with enchanting music… and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to resist. I just deleted several paragraphs of moral anecdotes and philosophical challenges. But as promised, I’m staying on topic to the best of my ability… but be warned, I’m not certain how much longer these ropes can hold me.

So in conclusion, regardless of our beliefs, we are all an inseparable part of an immense whole. It seems most agree, by living a moral life and being accountable for our actions, we do receive just retributions. And if by chance, eternal rewards do await us, to quote Nancy (a FB responder)… it’s like “icing on the cake.”

At one point, Monster returned me to my sophomore year of college. To a time when my nerves were shot… I was confused, sleep deprived and directionless. When you’re attending college full-time while simultaneously working to pay for it, there’s little time for sleep or contemplation. Picking the right path (major) under such conditions can seem impossible. I had always been drawn to the arts… but needing to make a living, practicality was important, too. Uncertain, I decided to enroll in Preston Jackson‘s basic design class. (A few years later, I earned a degree in design/visual communications.) In addition to being a renowned artist, Preston is also a great instructor… and a kind, sensitive and insightful person to boot. One day, as Preston was musing, he said something I’ve never forgotten. “Regardless of what you do in life, be a student of history. But don’t limit yourself to history books. Study the music, art, and literature of particular time periods. Learn everything you can, from every perspective. The past provides meaning to the present… and sheds light on the future.”

When Monster was released, the U.S. was engaged in the Vietnam conflict, Richard Nixon was president, and civil unrest was rampant. To many citizens, especially those from the “older” generation, bands like Steppenwolf were unwelcome messengers—radical groups of unpatriotic, hippie misfits. Students of history know that demonizing the perceived enemy is nothing new. Wait! The enemy? Did you read the lyrics? (see below) They’re lucid, insightful… even prophetic. Unpatriotic? Steppenwolf sounds like a band of patriots! That’s from today’s perspective. When Monster was released, these lyrics challenged America’s ideology with reality. They violated many citizens’ perceptions of themselves by contrasting symbolic representations with facts. The map is not the territory. For many, this concept is difficult to grasp.

Kurt Vonnegut said, “I sometimes wondered what the use of any of the arts was. The best thing I could come up with was what I call the canary in the coal mine theory of the arts. This theory says that artists are useful to society because they are so sensitive. They are super-sensitive. They keel over like canaries in poison coal mines long before more robust types realize that there is any danger whatsoever.”

Perhaps that’s what pulls me to the arts? But I digress. Like canaries, Steppenwolf sensed the poison permeating America… and like good patriots, they warned fellow citizens of the pending dangers. How many listened? How many heard? Many citizens confuse symbols for patriotism. To them, political ideologies outweigh truth and honor… and canaries. Discrediting the messenger is easier than examining the message.

To ignore, discredit or denounce messengers, canaries (or gadflies) is nothing new. Ask Socrates. This brilliant philosopher was found guilty by his fellow citizens and sentenced to death. Guilty of what, you might wonder? For asking valid questions… and thereby exposing perceptual blindness, political corruption, and delusional citizens. In short, Socrates was guilty of being a true Athenian patriot. For the record, I have little respect (actually none) for beliefs or subjects deemed too taboo to question. In fact, I encourage everyone to question most, those deemed most unquestionable. Just as some confuse the package for its contents, they also confuse beliefs, folklore and ideology for reality. Questions followed by critical thinking help us to distinguish the differences… and uncover the truth.

As we shape our future, we also create our past. Time has a way of revealing the villains from the heroes… propagandists from truth tellers… and perceived patriots from real ones. By learning everything we can, from every perspective… we begin to see a bigger, more accurate picture. America is a melting pot of individuals… and patriots come in many shades, shapes and sizes… and from many walks of life. Yet, I’ve observed it’s America’s canaries… the “super-sensitive” folks… those most vulnerable, easiest to attack and discredit that are best at shedding light on our future. Great patriots are seen best by future generations.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Monster
Once the religious, the hunted and weary
Chasing the promise of freedom and hope
Came to this country to build a new vision
Far from the reaches of kingdom and pope
Like good Christians, some would burn the witches
Later some got slaves to gather riche
But still from near and far to seek America
They came by thousands to court the wild
But she just patiently smiled and bore a child
To be their spirit and guiding light
Then once the ties with the crown had been broken
Westward in saddle and wagon it went
And ’til the railroad linked ocean to ocean
Many the lives which had come to an end
While we bullied, stole and bought a homeland
We began the slaughter of the red man
But still from near and far to seek America
They came by thousands to court the wild
But she just patiently smiled and bore a child
To be their spirit and guiding light
The blue and grey they stomped it
They kicked it just like a dog
And when the war was over
They stuffed it just like a hog
And though the past has its share of injustice
Kind was the spirit in many a way
But its protectors and friends have been sleeping
Now it’s a monster and will not obey

(Suicide)
The spirit was freedom and justice
And its keepers seem generous and kind
Its leaders were supposed to serve the country
But now they won’t pay it no mind
Cause the people grew fat and got lazy
Now their vote is a meaningless joke
They babble about law and order
But it’s all just an echo of what they’ve been told
Yeah, there’s a monster on the loose
It’s got our heads into a noose
And it just sits there watchin’
The cities have turned into jungles
And corruption is stranglin’ the land
The police force is watching the people
And the people just can’t understand
We don’t know how to mind our own business
Cause the whole world’s got to be just like us
Now we are fighting a war over there
No matter who’s the winner
We can’t pay the cost
Cause there’s a monster on the loose
It’s got our heads into a noose
And it just sits there watching

(America)
America, where are you now?
Don’t you care about your sons and daughters?
Don’t you know we need you now?
We can’t fight alone against the monster
© Copyright MCA Music (BMI)

Back in the day we used to have a garden. While it takes time, gardening is a viable solution to the current alternatives. And what isn’t eaten during the growing season can be shared, canned and frozen. As I drove, I envisioned my family working with me… everyone pitching in and reaping a bounty of fresh produce. I imagined sharing with my neighbors and… then reality struck! I live in downtown Chicago, and there’s not a lot of arable land on the 28^th floor!

Soon I found myself in the suburbs, driving down a residential street. An elderly couple stood in their yard talking to a couple guys in uniforms… and then I spotted the lawn chemical truck in the driveway.

I remembered spending money on lawn chemicals when we lived in the suburbs. Why do people spend time and money growing, cutting and maintaining grass? Who came up with this idea? Is it social conditioning, tradition… perceptual blindness? My questions triggered a rush of ideas and visions… I had a flashback to my time spent in Germany. The cemeteries I had visited there were so beautiful and the locals took such pride in creating and maintaining them. I began to envision suburban neighborhoods filled with beautiful gardens… like a Monet painting composed of fruit trees, herbs and vegetables. Visions of crop circles, corn mazes and rows of fruit trees, and beautifully designed vegetable patterns of all shapes, colors and kinds raced through my head. My brain was crystallizing with interconnected concepts and possibilities. The benefits of replacing worthless grass lawns with beautiful functioning gardens seemed endless…

Fresh healthy food right from your own yard… unemployed and retired citizens would stay active, eat healthier and reduce food costs… neighbors would reconnect and establish a new sense of purpose and community… home real estate investments would provide additional returns… physical exercise would help to reduce heart disease, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, and by extension, reduce medical costs… creativity and learning would improve through exploration of gardening methods (collecting, bartering, developing, selling and exchanging seeds/products, recipes, ideas, labor and expertise with one another)… kids would experience nature, learn about healthy food, responsibility, community, and have fun getting their hands dirty in the process… new jobs would be created for landscape designers, tool and equipment manufacturers, entrepreneurs interested in packaging, storing, canning, making deliveries, and creating healthy products from fresh produce… the possibilities are endless… and the physical, psychological and spiritual benefits are too numerous to list.

I reached my destination and parked the car but my mind continued racing with possibilities. Could this idea really work? Thomas Jefferson believed that an agrarian national economy with many small independent farmers would ensure America’s freedom. My idea goes a step further—a nation of independent gardeners! I don’t know if this concept could work… but I do know the current solution isn’t the answer.

I’m sharing my thoughts not as a solution, but as seeds of potential. We never know if our ideas will take root until we plant them. Perhaps this idea could start in one or two neighborhoods… find some success and spread. That’s how these things typically work.

To quote Margaret Mead, “Never underestimate the power of a small group of people to change the world.  In fact, it is the only way it ever has.”

As for me, I’m exploring the vacant lot across the street (currently labeled a problem), and a potential rooftop garden for our building. The possibilities are endless… the world we focus on is the world we create. I hope you will share your thoughts and ideas… and point out the pieces I missed on my drive.

Since Anne was able to join me, we decided to stay an extra day and explore our nation’s capital. We walked a good ten miles, taking in the many sites DC has to offer. At some point we found ourselves climbing the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. And then, unintentionally, we both stopped short of reaching the massive marble statue and bowed our heads… eighteen steps short to be exact. With heads bowed, we read the inscription engraved in the step, “I HAVE A DREAM. Martin Luther King, Jr., The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, August 28, 1963.” My mind raced and I became overwhelmed with emotions. Without thinking about it, we found ourselves standing on the very step from which Dr. King delivered his historic speech.

After a moment… I honestly don’t know how long we stood there… we eventually made our way up the remaining steps and listened to the National Park Ranger’s presentation. While his presentation was informative and the monument was inspiring, I couldn’t stop thinking about Dr. King. I returned to the step and stood directly on it. Looking out over the National Mall, I closed my eyes and traveled back to 1963. I was five years old when Dr. King shared his dream, but I remember it vividly… watching it on a black and white TV screen, hearing it repeated on the radio, listening to adults and kids discuss it as I tried to reconcile his words, their words, and my thoughts about the turbulent times. Dr. King was then… and remains… one of my heroes.

I opened my eyes briefly to take in the entire scene before closing them again and trying to remember the words spoken here some 48 years ago. He conveyed so much in such a profoundly eloquent and compelling way. But it was the end of his speech—the part where Dr. King departed from his prepared notes and improvised—when his vision became known to the world. Apparently, Mahalia Jackson, an African-American gospel singer, prompted him by shouting, “Tell them about the dream, Martin!” And tell us he did.

When we returned to our hotel that evening, I looked up the “I Have a Dream” transcript and read the words several times. Then something profound struck me. In this iconic speech, this brilliant man masterfully referenced numerous biblical allusions, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Declaration of Independence, Shakespeare’s “Richard III,” an old Negro spiritual, and so much more… all in seventeen minutes! What more can be said?

During the journey, Huck is bothered by the fact he’s helping Jim escape. He realizes by doing so he’s actually “stealing” someone’s property. At one point, his conscience gets the best of him and here’s what follows:

So I was full of trouble, full as I could be; and didn’t know what to do. At last I had an idea; and I says, I’ll go and write the letter – and then see if I can pray. Why, it was astonishing, the way I felt as light as a feather right straight off, and my troubles all gone. So I got a piece of paper and a pencil, all glad and excited, and set down and wrote:

Miss Watson, your runaway nigger Jim is down here two mile below Pikesville, and Mr. Phelps has got him and he will give him up for the reward if you send. Huck Finn.

I felt good and all washed clean of sin for the first time I had ever felt so in my life, and I knowed I could pray now. But I didn’t do it straight off, but laid the paper down and set there thinking – thinking how good it was all this happened so, and how near I come to being lost and going to hell. And went on thinking. And got to thinking over our trip down the river; and I see Jim before me all the time: in the day and in the night-time, sometimes moonlight, sometimes storms, and we a-floating along, talking and singing and laughing.But somehow I couldn’t seem to strike no places to harden me against him, but only the other kind. I’d see him standing my watch on top of his’n, ’stead of calling me, so I could go on sleeping; and see him how glad he was when I come back out of the fog; and when I come to him again in the swamp, up there where the feud was; and suchlike times; and would always call me honey, and pet me, and do everything he could think of for me, and how good he always was; and at last I struck the time I saved him by telling the men we had smallpox aboard, and he was so grateful, and said I was the best friend old Jim ever had in the world, and the only one he’s got now; and then I happened to look around and see that paper.

It was a close place. I took it up, and held it in my hand. I was a-trembling, because I’d got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it. I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself:

“All right, then, I’ll go to hell” – and tore it up.

Twain forces us to confront the reality of slavery head-on. When Huck reaches this moral crisis, he makes a decision. Was he right to violate the accepted social code and religious dogma he’d been raised to believe or should he have betrayed an innocent individual who needed and loved him… and someone whom he loved and needed, too? To most, this decision seems obvious. But like today’s moral dilemmas, it didn’t back then.

Going against tradition or society’s accepted norms isn’t easy… even when you’re doing what’s right. No doubt, many members of today’s society consider those who challenge the status quo to be wrong, guilty… or even dangerous. If you study history and reflect on your own life, you realize time has a way of shedding light on our choices. Right, wrong or indifferent, they are all exposed with time. We can justify them, but that won’t change them… we are each individually responsible for the choices we make. That said, if doing what’s right means doing what’s wrong, I concur with Huck Finn… “All right, then, I’ll go to hell.” What about you?

A few years ago, one of my employees asked why we weren’t pursuing a specific client more aggressively. “They’re huge,” he said. “We could be doing far more business with them.” He was right… and that’s exactly why we weren’t pursuing them. We already had too many resources focused on that account. Having started my company from nothing, I quickly learned the importance of having a diversified client base. It’s easy to be enticed by a huge client. The money and perceived stability are great… until the real cost comes due. Freedom always has a price. I told my employee, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away… the same holds true with a big client.” As tempting as it may be, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket… or focus all your resources on one account.”

In 1894, Mark Twain’s Pudd’nhead Wilson wrote, “Behold, the fool saith, ‘Put not all thine eggs in the one basket’—which is but a manner of saying, ‘Scatter your money and your attention’; but the wise man saith, ‘Put all your eggs in the one basket and—watch that basket!’”

I’m not suggesting you scatter your money or attention… but being human, we eventually stop watching the basket. This is especially true at the macro level. Without critically thinking, we along with countless others continue putting all our eggs in the same basket. The more we do it, the easier and more natural it becomes. Eventually, the number of eggs expands beyond our individual or collective comprehension. Its reach becomes so intrusive we stop seeing it.

To accommodate the growing number of eggs, the basket must continually expand. This expansion necessitates additional employees and mangers to service, direct and control activities. Initially, the experts in charge assure us that they are acting in our best interests and protecting our eggs. In time they find communicating a waste of time… so they stop. Besides, as the basket grows, more and more people are employed to keep it running… friends and family members, too. The basket expands far beyond eggs and infiltrates every aspect of society.

People who question this mass expansion are considered social outcasts. Those requesting honest transparent information about the basket and its eggs are labeled troublemakers. Those who demand information are called anarchists. Asking questions is seen as disrespectful… and those who dare suggest alternative places to put eggs are considered unpatriotic.

Surprisingly, most citizens accept the word of these experts, (those they believe much smarter than themselves). Many people like the idea of being taken care of and not having to think about eggs, or anything else for that matter. They talk amongst themselves and reinforce the positive messages they’re given by basket spokespeople and talking TV heads (from basket-owned networks). By consensus, it’s believed so long as troublemaking truth-seekers are kept at bay, everything is fine… until reality surfaces like the morning sun and sheds light in the dark crevices of the ever-expanding basket.

Without warning, there’s trouble in paradise. “Unexpected and unprecedented events have mysteriously unfolded,” experts warn. The basket is now destroying the environment, wildlife, corrupting the monetary system, healthcare, business… everything imaginable. We learn that everything is connected to the basket.

Since it was the brilliant experts that created the mess, it is only they who are qualified to fix it. Amazingly, most citizens agree with this position. With unprecedented power, the experts conclude, “To prevent this disaster from getting worse…. and to save countless jobs and the entire world economy for that matter, we must add more eggs! We have no other choice. If we don’t act now, all eggs and life as we know it will be lost!”

The tipping point always tips… and lately it’s been tipping uncontrollably in the wrong direction. But we do have choices. We can continue putting all our eggs in the same corrupt, dangerous, outdated basket… or we can truly regain our independence and create a new transparent future filled with alternative thinking, diversity and an endless number of baskets. Where will you put your eggs?

What struck me most was how the hypnotist had implanted a post-hypnotic suggestion. After the volunteer was “snapped” out of his trance, whenever the hypnotist said, “Chicken,” the volunteer instantly clucked… and did so loudly!

After the performance, I talked to the volunteer. He didn’t recall acting like a chicken… nor did he know why he clucked. His claims rang true and he seemed most sincere.

Over the years, I’ve observed that in some ways many people appear to be hypnotized… myself included. While few people cluck when “chicken” is mentioned, certain other words do elicit equally abrupt and predictable responses. Sometimes I wonder if our society is operating under post-hypnotic suggestions? Just bring up religion, politics, abortion, offshore drilling, healthcare, diet or lifestyle issues… and observe what happens. The mere mention of certain subjects or words often elicits uncontrollable clucks… I mean auto-responses. It’s difficult to have a meaningful conversation when someone starts clucking before you can finish asking your question or sharing your idea.

In order for a volunteer to be hypnotized, he/she must willingly enable the hypnotist to take control of his/her critical thinking. Recently, I’ve observed many people have willingly enabled radio talk show hosts, cable TV personalities, religious leaders and politicians to do the same. For many, blind trust (following) has replaced independent critical thinking.

Before selecting volunteers, the stage hypnotist gives the audience a few exercises and plants ideas in their minds: “Only intelligent people can be hypnotized” or “Only those who are open-minded to being hypnotized can be,” and so on. Do these kinds of suggestions and affirmations sound familiar? If not, try replacing “hypnotized” with Democratic, Republican, Conservative, Liberal, Christian, Muslim, Atheist, and so on.

Hypnotists identify people who appear to be trusting and willing to go along. Once a volunteer is selected, the hypnotist has him/her imagine some ordinary situations, like being cold, hot or thirsty. Gradually he builds on these connections with more suggestions until eventually he has them strutting and clucking like a chicken. Whether it’s a stage hypnotist, an authority figure, celebrity or someone else… the process works much the same. For whatever the reasons, some people are more susceptible to falling under spells (and remaining under) than others.

As with most things in our lives, change starts with awareness. In the case of hypnosis, “All hypnosis is self-hypnosis.” In other words, we must be willing to go along. Whether we remain mesmerized, wake up or stay someplace in between… the choice is always ours.

What started me time traveling was realizing many of the people that influence my thinking had left this world before I ever arrived. Compelled to meet and understand my influencers, I started visiting them. After several trips, patterns started to emerge. I found many of my heroes weren’t heroes at all… at least not during their lifetimes. Some were rejected by society. Many were considered radical, dangerous, or even insane. Traveling forward from these places in time, I observed how it took future generations to start understanding the courage, brilliance and insight these individuals possessed. Looking back from the present, it’s hard to believe these people weren’t celebrated. Then again, future generations will see us in the same light… and wonder the same.

During one of my journeys, a great hero of mine from the 1400s explained that expending too much time and energy trying to convince people from your own time period is unproductive. “Think, write and create for the unborn,” he said. “They will come to understand and value your insight and effort.” In his case, no truer words could be spoken… and I told him so. I appreciate his advice and often heed it.

The more you travel, the clearer one thing becomes… time exposes the truth. As it turns out, many past “heroes” weren’t heroes at all. They were popular charlatans, people of privilege or barbaric leaders driven by self-serving agendas. These individuals weren’t whom they claimed to be… or what they were perceived to be during their time. Many were truth twisters and propaganda creators on a mission to gain power and prestige in their lifetime… and were willing to achieve it at any cost. Whether it’s past, present or future one thing remains consistent—leaders need supporters and followers to succeed.

Most real heroes remain unknown. Very few are recognized by their society, peers or by future generations. They are called regular people. But they are far from regular. Rhetoric, propaganda or popular chants don’t influence them. They think independently and seek the truth. They take action and do what they believe is right—regardless of whether it’s popular at the time or not. Like all real heroes, these individuals realize that life continues long after they’re gone. They understand, like other real heroes before them, that we each have a responsibility to future generations as well.

By traveling in the future, this becomes obvious. Once while in 2060, I met a distant relative of mine (no pun intended). While his language was derived from English, it sounded much different than what’s spoken today. Regardless, we were able to communicate. To my surprise, some things had changed drastically while others appeared much the same.

You might imagine; I had many questions about his world… but not nearly as many as he had about mine. As he shared his understanding of history with me, I was both amazed and saddened by my lack of understanding of our present. While some of his information was inaccurate, much of it was spot on (with additional insight). Some things are difficult to see in present tense. Many of the “important” issues today are considered insignificant by future generations… if they’re considered at all. As with our past, many of today’s leaders and heroes are considered criminals by 2060 standards. Likewise, many of our outcasts are considered as brilliant visionaries… real heroes.

If you’re new to time traveling, I suggest starting with your own life. Travel back to your childhood and then project yourself into the future. Reflect on the decisions you’ve made over the years. If you’re like me, you’ve made some good and some pretty bad ones along the way. Each decision provides a lesson… and establishes a pattern. Notice how some of your most difficult decisions turn out to be the best… at least in the long run.

Chances are you knew they were right when you made them, too. How? After you gathered information, consulted your brain and listened to your heart… you intuitively left the present, scanned your past and then traveled to the future. This makes most decisions seem obvious… the benefits of time travel are powerful.

Here are three questions to ponder:
1. What side of history will you be on?
2. Who are your past and present heroes… and why?
3. How will you be viewed by future generations?

Only time will tell…

While labels simplify the world, provide context and help us organize our thoughts, they don’t define reality. In business, people are given titles to describe a role or position. These labels don’t describe who they are, or what they’re capable of doing. The same holds true with children. Have you ever heard a conversation along these lines?

“My daughter is gifted… she’s in all the advanced classes!”

“That’s wonderful, my son is LD… actually, he’s ADD… and in special classes.

“My oldest son is ADHD and he went on to college. My daughter is average… she’s getting by in regular classes… if she worked harder she could be in AP courses.”

On and on it goes, label after label, never recognizing that these limiting labels don’t define their children. These labels help institutions and adults organize, categorize and contextualize their thoughts and objectives. Furthermore, adhering to these labels is not only limiting, it can skew a person’s real potential. Embracing labels keeps the “experts” responsible for coining them in business. And this promotes more label making. Most “experts” have special titles themselves. These special labels are valuable to those who wear them. They say, “I’m qualified and smart”… regardless of whether it’s true or not.

It’s easy to be fooled by labels. We see it regularly in politics. Someone is labeled a liberal, moderate, conservative… and so on. But when you study their actions (not their words), you realize that many labels don’t align with reality. Regardless of the subject matter, once you start looking beyond labels and focusing on reality, the world appears very differently… and the door to new possibilities swings open.

In my book, “Pink Bat: Turning Problems Into Solutions” I discuss a psychological phenomenon we all suffer from called perceptual blindness. In essence, our mind filters the world around us… and what we let in becomes our reality. This is what makes labels dangerous… they can prevent us from seeing the big picture… the “real” world.

For the next few weeks, take note of all the words and labels people use to describe you. Think about the words and labels you use to describe yourself. Do the same with your children, family members and peers. Once you become conscious of labels, you will begin to see how limiting and often skewed they can be. Labels don’t define reality… and they certainly don’t define us… unless we let them.