It’s been a week of mixed emotions.
Light and hope, as Victoria’s case numbers drop to double digits.
Admiration, for health care workers who make up a third of those.
Wonder, at where we’d be without their valour.
Sorrow, seeing our death toll rise to 650.
Anger and disdain, at those who value elderly lives less than theirs.
Joy, in the wisdom of an 80-year-old, Jack Thompson.
Jack was talking this week of his rich life as an actor [1]. How he just missed the lead role in Spielberg’s movie, Schindler’s List. That made news. How close he was to fame that went instead to Liam Neeson.
The news ignored the big question, “Why have we been put on this planet? What’s life about Jack? [Our] purpose?”
That’s when Jack sits upright. “I have to say, I think that’s an impertinent question. We’re here. This is it.”
He tilts his head, staring, “You want a reason for this? You want a purpose for this? How arrogant!”
Settling back, gentle now, Jack says, “Life itself is a joy. I hope that when I am done. I have enough time to applaud. Life itself is a celebration.”
We’re conditioned to seek, measure and reward achievement.
We’ve been given the gifts of life and wisdom in our elders.
Life is a joy.
#ThisCentury #management #systemsthinking #strategy #culture
[1] Anh’s Brush With Fame, ABC TV, available on iView