Disruption

The idea of disruption can be thrilling for some, yet frightening for others.

A recent article by EY, titled 'What if disruption isn't the challenge, but the chance?', describes the current state of affairs in the world as the 'NAVI world'. NAVI is an acronym representing the four characteristics that distinguish the current situation from the pre-pandemic operating environment. Aimed at business leaders, the article details that we are living in a world in which change is increasingly nonlinear, accelerated, volatile, and interconnected.

The authors of the article outline two ways to succeed: transforming for agility in the near term and making no-regret moves in the long term. 

Disruption is not a mandatory aspect of innovation.

In his masterpiece, “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions”, Thomas Kuhn, one of the most prominent 20th-century philosophers of science, writes that successful new models frequently incorporate old ones. In order to create something new, it is not necessary to completely discard or break what we already have. He uses Newton and Einstein as examples, saying that Newton’s revolutionary ideas are still being used to build bridges and buildings, while Einstein’s are used to create GPS navigators, solar panels, laser beams, and self-lighting street lamps.

While successful disruptors in the 21st century may break old models, they build better ones that benefit us all. This is why we should embrace them rather than fear them.

Our readiness for innovation – and any accompanying disruption – is enhanced when we embrace change. The best way to accomplish this is to consistently expose yourself to different things, experiences, and adventures.

Spotlight

Narcissus, 1599, Caravaggio

In a society obsessed with social media and "main character energy" - famous politicians, religious figures, cult leaders, movie stars, celebrity athletes, social media influencers, et al. - visibility is often mistakenly seen as a synonym for value.

Those who lack the information and mental acuity to recognize the superficiality and insincerity of it all are led to believe that their contributions are insignificant and that they have no worth unless they are heard, seen, accepted, and acknowledged by others.

Telling ourselves that receiving attention is the path to fulfillment - whether in a corporate setting, family, or local community - is an unhealthy form of self-care and an ineffective way to contribute to a cause.

In our pursuit of authentic recognition, we often become less authentic. This happens when we place more trust in the arbitrary and often flawed judgments of strangers, shifting public opinion, and the whims of social media algorithms than in our own logic.

The most important and influential people in our lives are not those we see on TV, on stage, or on social media. They are also not the pretentious folks trying to convince us that their lives are perfect. Instead, they are the people who have helped shape our lives with their consistent and often selfless presence, which is anything but glamorous.

Fishing in Spring, the Pont de Clichy (Asnières), 1887, Vincent van Gogh

Lao Tzu, the author of the Tao Te Ching, a Chinese classic text central to religious and philosophical Taoism, stressed the importance of aligning oneself with the natural order of the universe. He discussed the concept of wu wei, which is the cultivation of a mental state in which one’s actions effortlessly align with life’s natural flow. 

Meditations, a timeless masterpiece by Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius, was written for personal use only and not intended for publication. The book contains his private musings and has influenced people across the centuries. It is one of the most notable sources for studying and understanding ancient Stoic philosophy. Aurelius's most lasting contribution to humanity did not come from his position as emperor and the most influential figure of his time. Rather, it was the result of his contemplation of Stoicism during moments of solitude and seclusion, when no one was watching.

Similar to Socrates' dictum that "the unexamined life is not worth living," one should accept that life becomes easier in today's chaotic world by believing in and striving for true fulfillment, which does not come from being seen by many, but rather from "seeing" ourselves. This profound "seeing" occurs when we understand our values, act with integrity, and meaningfully contribute to the quiet rhythm of human existence.

Narrative Control

Edward Hopper, Soir Bleu, 1914

In an unhealthy society, facts, logic, and entire narratives can be reshaped by the majority or those in power to serve their predetermined goals. Power often requires no justification beyond its own existence.

The story of the lamb and the wolf illustrates a key truth about how the world often works. The wolf exemplifies the saying "might makes right" by fabricating reasons to eat the lamb, despite the fact that none of them make sense.

Facts don't care about feelings, but a wolf's hunger doesn't care about facts either. "The strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must." Despite the lamb’s rational responses to the wolf's accusations, the wolf was going to eat him simply because he could. The wolf doesn't care about being right; he just wants his dinner.

No matter how unfairly they act, those who are or think they are powerful will always find excuses to justify their actions.

They operate like a Wikipedia page written and edited by a group of people - confident and convinced that their version of events is the only one that matters. They believe they should be the ones controlling the narrative. When they do, they do so with the same questionable accuracy and deep conviction with which a toddler holds a crayon and colors outside the lines while claiming to follow the rules impeccably - and still being smug about it.

The majority does not always dictate the story, but they often have significant influence over how the narrative is shaped. The power to control the narrative should be constantly contested and evolve rather than remain permanently fixed in the hands of those in authority.