Beyond Me

Real Efficiency

Real Efficiency

One of my interests is looking at what we all can do to help the planet with regard to climate change, particularly with regard to our actions.

I have thought about the issue fundamentally from the standpoint of clean energy sources.  I see two fundamentals that I think must be kept in mind.

Firstly, any of the processes that are happening should waste no energy.

Secondly, any energy can be converted from one form to a useful form.

This is just the beginning as I will include more posts on the topic but I really wanted to throw these thoughts out here and see what folks had to say.  Feel free to share your thoughts and any ideas.

“I’m just doing my job”

In my dealings with various bureaucracies and individuals in different organizations over the years I have come to see very clearly many people are overzealous in their authority.  It certainly can be extremely difficult and troubling to deal with someone who is being unnecessarily heavy handed.

Moreover, although it would never be fair to excuse anyone who performs an act of violence and puts the blame on individuals in positions like the ones I’ve mentioned, I can’t help but think over the years that systemically if this has been a person’s experiences with bureaucracies, then perhaps from that person’s perspective he/she feels justified in trying to get revenge.  Again I’m not saying this reduces in any way the person’s total responsibility for their actions who commits an act of violence or crime but I do have a point to make.  My point is that common sense is so sometimes missing or not being used by folks that work for various organizations.  They of course have very good reason to follow rules (i.e. they’re just “doing their job”, but there is no official rule that these folks have to be rude to other people (as is sometimes the case) or that they have to go beyond the rules / their authority to show the person who is boss.  My point is that a person who already feels mistreated is going to be more provoked and convinced that this is the case if they’ve been subjected to this treatment again and again.

Ultimately I am really expressing an opinion that the people who fall into the group of bureaucrats I’m describing really need to use common sense and fairness when dealing with people.  I don’t think it’s just a nice thing to do but really the only prudent way to function. So for those who are over zealous without common sense it is my hope that someone reading this might consider heeding and/or passing on the message where applicable.

Trend Setting

One of the points that I’ve raised in this blog is that if you become truly empowered you’ll want to reach out to others so you can be of service.  One of the great ways you can be of service is by living an example of what you’d like to see more of in the world.

The famous non fiction writer Malcolm Gladwell, in his book The Tipping Point, discusses how individuals can set trends. Many trends have resulted because of someone’s decision to do something a certain way.

One simple example: if you would like to see a more friendly and conscientious society then the first step is to make an effort to consistently act that way in your interactions with people.  These things, like many, have a tendency to create a ripple effect.  So you see: this is a simple yet true example of how one individual can make a difference.

If I can be so bold as to make a suggestion it would be this: do some brainstorming on what values or whatever you’d like to see in the world and make a commitment to consistently bring those into your day-to-day interactions.  You know the old adage that actions speak louder than words, well what are you waiting for?

Do take care.

Twitter Updates for 2010-01-01

• Pope’s peace message focuses on environment – http://bit.ly/80mrzJ #cnn #

Justice for Criminals?

You can click here and read a story that was covered in the media.

My take on this matter is that how we handle criminals has to involve a balanced approach.  Simply put, while we need to be more attentive to mental health issues and psychological roots driving criminal behaviour so that we can frame appropriate interventions, we should not be arrogant about our ability to simply reform everyone.  We need to at the same time be cognizant of the greater good of society.

An example, if you are schizophrenic and have murdered someone, it is very possible that you can be found not criminally responsible and it is also possible that you can go on medication for the rest of your life and not endager society BUT the key is to have a very strict monitoring system in place ensuring that this person remains on medication at all times.  So the crux of the matter rests with: Can we ensure such strict adherence remains in place at ALL times? I think that if the answer is yes we can accomplish much.  What are your thoughts?