By Shanon Brooks In late 1765, John Adams began writing an essay entitled, "A Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law." He was 30 years old and just beginning to stretch his legal and political wings. His purpose for writing this essay was to contrast the tyranny of feudal and canon law with the glorious struggle for freedom in the … [Read more...]
The Perseverance Quotient
January 28, 2011 by Leave a Comment
By Orrin Woodward Many of us have heard the oft repeated adage regarding the pursuit success that quips it is nothing more than getting up just one more time after you have fallen down. The inspirational story, "Giving Up Too Soon," illustrates the point and goes something like this: A man meets a guru in the road. The man asks the guru, … [Read more...]
Leadership Lessons from Burgoyne’s Downfall
January 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment
By Chris Brady In June of 1777, flamboyant General "gentleman Johhny" Burgoyne initiated his attack on the colonies from Canada. He commanded over seven thousand infantrymen, a combination of British redcoats and Hessian mercenaries, a small army of artillery specialists and 138 cannon, 400 Native Americans, and some Canadians and colonial … [Read more...]
What Will Be Your Legacy?
January 14, 2011 by 1 Comment
By Orrin Woodward George Washington took an incredible risk to be part of the Revolutionary War. He had plenty of land and was doing “pretty good.” Why would someone get involved in a conflict where the colonists were severe underdogs? George lived by principles and he would rather sacrifice his wealth than his principles. There were many … [Read more...]
The Vital Shift From Issues to Forms
January 11, 2011 by 1 Comment
By Kyle Roberts You can never change things by fighting the present reality. Instead, change the model that has created it, and the reality will change automatically. Another way to say this is you can never change things by haggling over issues and their complex nature. Instead reexamine the form, or the structure, or the system that … [Read more...]
Building With Kryptonite: Small Business ‘Bailout’ and the Future of the American Economy
January 7, 2011 by 1 Comment
by Oliver DeMille When recessions make things difficult for a lot of people across the nation — especially when accompanied by high unemployment — many turn against markets and seek government solutions to economic challenges. This is both predictable and understandable. But one group typically responds in a different way that is … [Read more...]
Anyone Could Lead Perfect People
January 6, 2011 by Leave a Comment
By Chris Brady Leadership is with, for, and about people. One of the most important things for a leader to learn is how to deal with people. I am amazed at the vast variety of people in our world. From different cultures, races, creeds, geographical locations, and a whole host of other orientations, the range of people out there is extremely … [Read more...]
Climbing Through Pain
January 5, 2011 by Leave a Comment
By Orrin Woodward I once read a profound book by Robert Grudin, The Grace of Great Things. It describes a philosophy of innovation and creation and really makes you think and helps you understand why new ideas are attacked so aggressively. In the section "Ethics of Creativity," Grudin says: "To be truly open to any experience, the mind … [Read more...]
Abundance is a Choice
January 3, 2011 by 1 Comment
By Garrett Gunderson “Destiny is not a matter of chance; but a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” -William Jennings Bryan The abundance paradigm is living with a sure knowledge that there are unlimited resources — material and otherwise — that can be shared and enjoyed through love, … [Read more...]
The Age of Overseers: Technology, Politics, & the Future
December 29, 2010 by 1 Comment
by Oliver DeMille The rise of independents in American politics is a major trend that has drastically changed the political landscape. But why is it happening now? Are both major parties so bad now — indeed so much worse than they have ever been — that the majority of involved citizens just can’t stand them anymore? Actually, the parties … [Read more...]
