As we watch so many things spiral out of control in our world, it invites a question that you and I must answer. How can we be catalysts for change? History suggests that it begins with having a powerful vision of our future---building a new collective dream for a better world and putting that dream into action.
Joel Barker, famed futurist, author and filmmaker, highlights this compelling call in his film, The Power of Vision. One of the profiles is about the work of Dutch scholar Fred Polak, author of The Image of the Future (1961). Polak studied the accounts of many nations, both ancient and modern, to see how positively they wrote about their futures and how well they lived up to their own expectations. Joel Barker brings Polak's findings to life on location in Athens at the Parthenon:
"The parthenon was first a vision in the mind of the architect. So too, did the Greeks envision the future of their culture. How did this happen? Well, the Greeks began with dreams. ...Those dreams were changed into something much more powerful---VISION. Vision is a result of dreams in action! What Polak found in his research was that significant vision preceded significant success.
In example after example he saw the same pattern emerge. First a compelling image of the future was offered by leaders. Then that image was shared with their community and they agreed to support it. Then together, acting in concert they made the vision a reality."
Polak found that "the many of the nations as they began their climb to greatness did not have the right resources, the critical population base, or an obvious strategic advantage. In fact, they succeeded against all odds. What they did have was a profound vision of their own future and that is the key ingredient, not the only one, but the first and most important.
Nations with vision are powerfully enabled.
Nations without vision are at risk."
Today many of our nations in world lack leaders with vision. People are discouraged, disinterested and indifferent, many are suffering. We are at risk. The challenge before us is great. This is certainly demonstrated day-to-day in what continues to be manifested in the United States by having a self-proclaimed "war president." We have manufactured wars, killing and greed on levels most of us have never recognized until recently. A profile of a successful entreprenuer highlighted on CNN today symbolized the extent of having a vision of war. The CEO proudly boasted of their company's success in moving from high tech to armor as core business for financial success. "I see armored vehicles as an emerging market." he said.
Because of these grave realities, it places the responsibility on you and me --- on the people of world to join together, virtually hand-in-hand, to build a new dream and to put our commitment and action behind it.
Join with us. Make your first climb on the walk to greatness. See the view clearly of today and then let yourself imagine a new world --- a more loving, productive, inclusive, generous world for all people. See the view from your vantage point and share it with us. Tell what to do as you see it. It might only be a small glimpse that comes to you of one tiny piece of the whole vision, but don't think it insigificant. Tell us. Help all of us see what you see. Post your vision to put your fingerprint on building a new future for our world.
Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Other suggestions...
- Read visionary writings and comments from others.
- Visit the WHAT YOU CAN DO dialogue for practical ideas.
- See related links on the left menu for more ideas and inspirations.
- Learn more about Fred Polak's The Image of the Future
- Learn more about The Power of Vision
Debbe,
Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. Having a selfless vision in these times is nessesary. We must all rise above our selfish desires and do what is best for the greater good.
Peace
Joshua Peace Seeker
Posted by: Joshuapeaceseeker | Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 10:14 AM