Commentary
"Geniuses differ from ordinary men less in the character of their attention than in the nature of the objects upon which it is successively bestowed." – William James
I'm a Seinfeld junkie. Yes, it's a throwback to my Bright College Days, but it hit at just the right moment, and many of the phrases and scenes have stuck with me over the years.
One in particular is when George pretends to be a marine biologist and tells his friends about his adventure with the whale. He sets the tone by describing the scene:
"The sea was angry that day, my friends!"
(This is where those of you in the know finish the phrase with "Like an old man trying to send back soup at a deli.")
Anyway.
Being on the shore last week and having time to watch the waves, it reminded me of the sheer power of the sea.
"The ocean is an object of no small terror. Indeed, terror is in all cases whatsoever, either more openly or latently, the ruling principle of the sublime." —Edmund Burke
If you've ever been out on the open sea, or perhaps even stepped off of a ledge as you wade your way from shore, there's a certain level of terror and respect that the ocean commands.
And if you've watched waves continually pummel the cliffs or overpower lighthouses or ships, you understand the destructive power. We try to harness it, to bend it to our will; but the ocean will do what it wants to. Anyone caught in a riptide or adrift in a small dinghy can testify to that.
And so it goes with anger and fear in our lives. Once that duo has taken hold, whether in a work or personal situation, it's difficult to draw back.
Seeing so much anger and hate online—not only in the last 72 hours, but in the past few years—it's a cause for concern.
Yes, 8chan was taken offline, but my instinct tells me it's temporary. Like water, the hate will find a way through. Which can be a bit depressing.
Take heart: there are things you can effect. Things that are in your power. That's where you should spend your time and attention.
Lead with optimism and enthusiasm, not fear. Find joy in everything you can. Lift up other people and surround yourself with uplifting people.
While the sea of anger that swirls around you may not be in your control, your reaction to it can.
Otherwise, you're stuck with that soup.
| | Curated Stories
"I have gathered a posy of other men's flowers, and nothing but the thread that binds them is my own." – Montaigne
Security Blanket
Capital One is the latest company to be hit with a data breach. This one affected over 100 million people, including Social Security numbers and bank accounts. (USA Today)
Here's a look at The Biggest Cybersecurity Crises of 2019 So Far, including Customs and Border Protection, ransomware, supply chain hacks, and more. (Wired)
Is there nowhere safe any more? Equifax is in the midst of a class action lawsuit that's been so popular, they may not have enough funds to pay it out. There are plenty of reasons to be angry, but just be sure you're playing it smart: don't reuse passwords; change your passwords regularly; use two-factor authentication; use a known and secure VPN; use a password organizer (I use Dashlane - use my link and we both get 6 months of free Premium service).
Happy Face
Fewer younger people are using Facebook. In fact, the share of people aged 12-17 who open Facebook at least once a month has fallen from 60% in 2015 to 39% today. However, they're not avoiding Facebook's other properties such as Instagram and WhatsApp. (The Economist)
Which is probably why Facebook thinks its get-out-of-jail-free card with the FTC is as simple as labeling these as Instagram from Facebook and WhatsApp from Facebook. (Business Insider). Yeah, I'm That'll Fix It from Sarcastic Guy. Gotta give them credit for trying, though.
Pinterest has long been an oasis amid the frenzied preening and sniping on social platforms. They've cemented that reputation with their latest move: emotional health exercises and resources that will pop up in the app when a search term suggests the user may be stressed. (Digital Trends) Awww...thanks, Pinterest.
And because pretty visuals make us smile, here's the most popular social networks each year, animated. (The Next Web)
I Love You, You Don't Love Me
I wish the news were a little sunnier in these parts, but it looks like two icons of retail from the 20th century are having difficulty: Barney's New York may file for bankruptcy as soon as next week; and Victoria's Secret is struggling. (CNBC, Fast Company)
It's no secret that traditional retailers that haven't effectively integrated digital and brick-and-mortar shopping are falling behind. Newer, more nimble companies are picking up the slack and using price and convenience as their primary tools. And when the landlord raises your rent, you're stuck.
| | Content Marketing World discount available
Are you breaking through the content clutter? Are you amazing your audience? Content Marketing World 2019 is returning with new ideas, new speakers, and more. Learn and network with the best. MONTY19 will save you $100 | | | For the Curious Mind
"Curiosity is the lust of the mind." – Thomas Hobbes
When it feels like you're losing your grip on work, it's easy to get stressed out. But you can get a handle on your emotions with these five skills to bring you emotional intelligence. (Fast Company)
Sometimes unplugging your mind from everything is just what you need. If you've heard kids around the house this summer saying "I'm bored!" they may be in better shape than they realize. Why Being Bored Is Good. (The Walrus)
Here's another idea for self-regulation that's completely within your control: practice delight whenever you can by taking a moment to linger. (Extraordinary Routines)
If you do find yourself looking for something to do as you disengage from the cacophony online, take a look at A Walt Whitman Reading List. The man of letters was a voracious reader. (Lapham's Quarterly)
| | Recommended Reading/Listening
"My Best Friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read." – Abraham Lincoln
He dealt with a serious bout of depression in his young adulthood. He served our country at a time when it was more deeply divided and angry than ever. Yet Abraham Lincoln's manner was calm and considered, and he was widely respected by everyone who worked with him. It's no coincidence that his name reverberates through this week's recommendations.
| | April 15, 1865. President Lincoln is dead and the country is in turmoil. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and Vice President Andrew Johnson are at odds over how to handle the next steps in the country's way out of the Civil War. That's the premise of this gripping historical audio drama, 1865.
| | | | Leadership: In Turbulent Times: Doris Kearns Goodwin on how leaders are made, not born, as she thoughtfully explores the highs and lows of four U.S. presidents who faced moments of horrific national crisis. It's a book that's both timely and timeless, with powerful lessons for leaders and students alike. | | | | Just in case you want more links and more stories, I curate everything to The Full Monty on Flipboard. You can follow along there. | | | |
No comments:
Post a Comment