Review and ‘book bias’ by Bill Cumming
Every once in a while a book comes along that is so important that it, in and of itself, alters the conditions in which we live. Some are spiritual, some philosophical, some explore intimacy and this is about economics, greed, opportunity, whining and the way people need to be educated in order to compete in the global economy of 2007 and beyond.
Those of us living in industrialized nations have had the upper hand during the past fifty years. We could create, innovate, build and muscle our way into superiority in almost every arena. All of that has changed because of a series of events which include the dismantling of the Berlin Wall, the creation of true, free-trade agreements, the computer and the internet to name a few. Everything has changed.
When you buy a product from Wal-Mart, at the second the clerk scans your purchase, everyone having anything to do with the replacement of that item is notified; producers of raw materials, parts manufacturers, shippers, quality control experts and a myriad of others are made aware that another item is needed, where and its replacement is ordered. Along the way, you will also discover why and how Wal-Mart has outgrown its bad-boy image to emerge as a truly innovative and compassionate corporation, even though Costco has better benefits. More importantly, you will discover that not only those with good intentions have learned what Friedman explores. Terrorists have discovered supply chain economics as well. When a suicide bomber kills her/himself, a ready replacement has been in the pipeline and is prepared to serve.
Ever head of LG Electronics? Ten years ago no one had; they didn’t exist. Their goal was to be the third largest electronics company in the world by 2010. They achieved their goal this year. They are headquartered in Korea. Life is good, from their point of view.
What does economic development have to do with well-being and how to achieve it? “If you are making money, and being productive and raising your standard of living, you’re not sitting around thinking, “Who did this to us? Or, why is our life so bad?” People from third world countries, who stand to make money every time a Dell computer is sold are much less likely to interrupt the supply chain to complain because they don’t like the country of origin or blow up their subway. We may someday come to understand that taking care of all the people is in our enlightened interest economically and spiritually. Peace may be created out of enlightened self-interest.
And what kind of people will be successful in this world where everyone has opportunity?
“In the future, how we educate our children may prove to be more important than how much we educate them.”
“It is not only what you know but how you learn that will set you apart. Because what you know today will be out-of-date sooner than you think.”
“Because, when I think back on my favorite teachers, I don’t remember the specifics of what they taught me, but I sure remember being excited about learning it.”
“Because curious, passionate kids are self-educators, self-motivators.”
“For my money, they could engrave that onto every doorway of every school in America: Nobody works harder at learning than a curious kid.”
The only people who are going to be able to compete are the people who have discovered their inner fire truck or stethoscope.
This book is about understanding, really understanding the playing field that is before us and points toward everything we need to succeed. It is about competing humanly and with consideration, no longer mutually exclusive. It is about being as well as doing, excitement, aliveness, courage and opportunity.
“…the abilities that matter most are now closer in spirit to the specialties of the right hemisphere – artistry, empathy, seeing the big picture, and pursing the transcendent.”
And even love: “I can teach anyone a strategy, but I can’t teach a person to love kids. And you can feel it in a classroom as soon as you walk in (whether the teacher loves kids).”
This is a book that allowed my spirit to soar, answered questions I didn’t know I had and made me look in new directions I had never considered for access to a world of wellness and the power within.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
