Respect vs Real Change

Culture needs to be respected. Age needs to be respected as does the progressive wisdom that usually comes with it. Tradition needs to be respected. What does all of this mean? I agree with these statements in principle but the world has turned the definition of respect on it’s head and have totally stripped it of its true meaning and power. It seems that nowadays the status quo is that anything worthy of our “respect” should never be questioned, altered or completely changed EVER! The attitude is, “How dare you question your elders.” or “How dare you question your government.” “Or how dare you question me and the 5 PHD’s I hold and the years of experience I have.” Certainly no one believes that a newbie (to the area, the project or the neighborhood) could actually offer any useful suggestions in changing the world and making it a better place. The world needs saving in more way than one. The world economy is in shambles, the worldwide poverty level is horrendous but by and large no one wants to change the way they have been doing things the last 25 years because, “It’s my idea, there is no way it could possibly fail.” or “Too much blood, sweat, tears and resources have gone into this to scrap it now!” or “What if some people get mad at me for shaking things up? I really care about what they think of me.” What good is holding an idea or a project so close to your chest that you are suffocating it and slowly it is dying under your watch? All this time you could have been reviving it or giving it a total makeover, but due to pride, tradition, and a desire not to ever ruffle a single feather you just watch it die in your arms blaming everything and everyone under the sun ( except for yourself of course) when it finally breathes its last breath.

You might be full of a ton of great ideas. They might have even been inspired or endorsed by some high profile people. But an initial endorsement doesn’t make you a golden child who will never mess up. If you don’t put in the hard work and the research, and build a solid support team, even the best of ideas will die an early death. Your idea does not have to have your name all over it to change the world. WHy does it matter who came up with it? All that truly matters is you are doing your part to make a progressive difference that will continue long after you and your name have disappeared from the face of this earth. Your heart will always shine bright, along with your passion and your inspiration, but no one ever seems to remember your name or even your face, so humble yourself…make a difference powerfully yet quietly, passing the torch along the way, not taking it to the grave with you so we can remember what could have been.