Posted in Lessons Unlearned, Metaphor, One minute unlearning, Parable, Wisdom
“What’s enlightenment,” asked the seeker. “I can only provide a metaphor,” replied the wayfinder. “Have you ever been in the darkness when a bolt of lightening suddenly illuminated all of your surroundings in vivid clarity?” “Yes, I have,” replied the seeker excitedly. “Is that enlightenment feels like?” “No,” said the wayfinder to the seeker’s immense…
Posted in Blog, Metaphor, New Cards, One minute unlearning
I really like the photo to the right. It depicts the same scene, the only difference is that on the right half of the photo the night sky is being masked by man-made light. A fitting metaphor for the modern world. Often, we are so surrounded by the modern conveniences of light that we fail…
Last week, after 244 years, Encyclopedia Brittanica announced it would be discontinuing the physical production of the iconic encyclopedia. Given the popularity (not to mention the breadth and accuracy) of Wikipedia, it’s not really much of a surprise. It is, however, a wonderful metaphor for the future of information in the sense that information wants…
Posted in Blog, Computer Industry, Education, Metaphor
Last week, after 244 years, Encyclopedia Brittanica announced it would be discontinuing the physical production of the iconic encyclopedia. Given the popularity (not to mention the breadth and accuracy) of Wikipedia, it’s not really much of a surprise. It is, however, a wonderful metaphor for the future of information in the sense that information wants…
There is little question humanity is becoming increasingly dependent on technology. For the most part, this is a good thing. There are, however, dangers of becoming overly dependent upon technology. Case in point: News from today reporting that three Japanese students followed GPS technology straight into the ocean. The take-a-way? The future will always require…
Posted in Creativity, Education, General, Metaphor
As a frequent keynote and conference speaker, I’m constantly looking for ways to connect with my audiences. One of the better methods to help them understand and appreciate how the future may—or may not—change is to use common cultural references. One of my favorite ways of doing this is to share interesting insights from Hollywood…
Posted in Metaphor, One minute unlearning, Parable
The traveler and the child were walking along the beach when a large wave swept over all of their past footprints. “What’s the point,” sighed the child. “It’s as if we were never here.” Looking ahead the child then added, “And future waves will do the same to all our next steps.” “True,” replied the…
Posted in Change, Example, Metaphor, New Cards, One minute unlearning, Routine, See What Isn't There
On a standard Roman Numeral watch, what letters do the Number 3 look like? What about the Number 4? Did you say the Number 3 looks like three capital I’s (III) and the Number 4 looks like a capital I and a capital V (IV)? It is quite common to believe the face of Roman…
Posted in Behavior, Creativity, Failure, Metaphor, One minute unlearning, Risk
Before Philippe Petit could undertake his daring 1974 tightrope walk across the World Trade Center Towers, my guess is that he fell off a lot of ropes while practicing. It might be obvious but it’s worth remembering that a person can only learn to balance by falling. Related Post Practice Intentional Imperfection
Posted in Analogy, Behavior, Change, Enlightenment, General, I Don't Know, Kindergarten, Lessons Unlearned, Metaphor, Unlearning Curve, Unlearning Lesson, Wisdom
The concept of unlearning might seem pointless to some people. So, too, might the idea of doing something that makes you uncomfortable. The surprising thing is this: If you do something out of your comfort zone, it widens your circle of comfort. It this same way, unlearning enhances your awareness of how much you don’t…
