The Donald Trump Pseudo-Big Way = Small Thinking
Thinking Small
The power base in our country is dominated by small thinking, and those in control strive to build and perpetuate a domestic and international culture of more and more sedated citizens (read me and you). They want us to think small so that we will willingly act against our own interests and the interests of our children and generations to come. Why else would the poor be getting poorer and the rich richer? Why else would the environment be going to the dogs and war be slipping into the indefinite state of being?
The sheer volume and extraordinary decibel level of small thinking can drown out the best-intentioned entrepreneurial fervor, creative enthusiasm, racial harmony, environmental conservation, political progress, and true human values in the icy water of egotistical, self-interested, hypercommercial calculation.
We will not be drowned out.
Our small thinking society has resolved personal worth into a solely transactional value: “The Donald Trump Pseudo-Big Way.” How much do you make? What things do you own? Who have you conquered along the way? The small thinking path to success is littered with the carcasses of others who have been stepped on and over.
For the record, Mr. Trump: Thinking big never belongs in the same sentence as kicking ass. Never. Thinking big is not now and never will be the same thing as taking advantage of others (i.e., kicking ass). Trump is hardly the only one. Enron’s higher-ups seemed to be thinking big, but then it turned out they were just really good at taking advantage of other people, at least for a while. I’m sure you can think of other even more recent examples. You will never see big thinkers winning at someone else’s expense or taking more than their fair share. (Should any CEOs make more than 30,000 times what one of their employees makes?)
In place of the internationally chartered civil, political, social, and economic rights and freedoms, which incidentally also coincide with just about every secular and nonsecular moral code, small thinking has set up a single, unconscionable unfreedom—fate, propagating and perpetuating the idea that you can't change your present or your future, that everything is preordained, and no one cares, anyway, as long as there’s lots of stuff. Note, too, that not everyone is as glutted with stuff as we are here in the West. Yet we seem to forget our luck in our pursuit of more, more, more.
Enough. Re-define big thinking.
The power base in our country is dominated by small thinking, and those in control strive to build and perpetuate a domestic and international culture of more and more sedated citizens (read me and you). They want us to think small so that we will willingly act against our own interests and the interests of our children and generations to come. Why else would the poor be getting poorer and the rich richer? Why else would the environment be going to the dogs and war be slipping into the indefinite state of being?
The sheer volume and extraordinary decibel level of small thinking can drown out the best-intentioned entrepreneurial fervor, creative enthusiasm, racial harmony, environmental conservation, political progress, and true human values in the icy water of egotistical, self-interested, hypercommercial calculation.
We will not be drowned out.
Our small thinking society has resolved personal worth into a solely transactional value: “The Donald Trump Pseudo-Big Way.” How much do you make? What things do you own? Who have you conquered along the way? The small thinking path to success is littered with the carcasses of others who have been stepped on and over.
For the record, Mr. Trump: Thinking big never belongs in the same sentence as kicking ass. Never. Thinking big is not now and never will be the same thing as taking advantage of others (i.e., kicking ass). Trump is hardly the only one. Enron’s higher-ups seemed to be thinking big, but then it turned out they were just really good at taking advantage of other people, at least for a while. I’m sure you can think of other even more recent examples. You will never see big thinkers winning at someone else’s expense or taking more than their fair share. (Should any CEOs make more than 30,000 times what one of their employees makes?)
In place of the internationally chartered civil, political, social, and economic rights and freedoms, which incidentally also coincide with just about every secular and nonsecular moral code, small thinking has set up a single, unconscionable unfreedom—fate, propagating and perpetuating the idea that you can't change your present or your future, that everything is preordained, and no one cares, anyway, as long as there’s lots of stuff. Note, too, that not everyone is as glutted with stuff as we are here in the West. Yet we seem to forget our luck in our pursuit of more, more, more.
Enough. Re-define big thinking.
Comment
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Comment by Frank Prestipino on July 29, 2009 at 5:46pm -
I have been obsessed with the notion of thinking big and why big projects fail so often that I decided to take an alternative approach and research how many small incremental improvements across a company can actually accelerate growth. So, I decided to write a book about it, "Getting to BIG the small way".
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Comment by Rebecca Haninger on March 30, 2009 at 3:21pm -
Lots of people (like the character in "Wicked", Elphaba) think HUGE and try so hard to make life better for so many people, but fail, and end up, at best, making no one's life better. Often they make many lives worse. Must big thinking have results?
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Comment by Lisa Cohan on March 29, 2009 at 12:39am -
James... I'm not going to read all of this now, but as far as I got I will comment.
I'm not speaking about Trump.. I don't think I ever mentioned him in my post. Opinions are all one can really give in this situation, are they not? I was speaking about people who are not worthy role models. I'm sure most of us would agree on several folks in that category. Or not.
You don't see how Rowling is different than Trump, and that is just fine. Perhaps you are not in a position to see it. What I said was "when I think of true success" because she is one I personally think of. If I was speaking for everyone I would have said "everyone" and not "I."
You also left out the rest of the sentence which explains why I feel she is different than many. "and all the while bringing joy and inspiration to millions of people." Frankly though, I don't know a single person whose life is better because of Trump, but I know thousands who are better people because of Rowling, and I'm not referring to charity because anyone with money can do that. I know thousands whose life is better because of Eckhart Tolle. I could go futher, but there's no point, as I'm not enjoying this. All else equal, why do what we don't enjoy??
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Comment by James Possible on March 28, 2009 at 12:41pm
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What comes to mind as I read and post is the power of my words and your words. Now, I could have said our words or the royal "WE" and yet when that happens I feel a certain distance is created, I am removed from the words. Yes, I do use we, when I do in my mind there is a FLASHING sign saying "James, Pay Attention!".
In this world, the world of the written word integrity starts with clarity of message...distinctions...
Whether it's "kicking ass" or "kicking butt" or "being the first" or even "getting the job done" each clearly as noticed by the many posts have very personal meanings.
I would suggest or offer that someone who has NEVER had enough money in their bank account to indulge themselves really can't understand "greedy" or "gluttony" as it relates to someone who can make that choice i.e, is it difficult for them to even see an upgrade from standard produce to organic produce or an upgrade from the sales rack to a brand name purchase. Did she purchase her brand new Mercedes or Jaguar off the showroom floor or did you purchase a 3 year old Lexus? Was it a choice of preference or a choice of economics?
The minister who tends to an audience of 100's and often lives without cannot understand the minister who tends to an audience of 1,000's and lives with plenty, nor is it the place or either to judge.
More is a relative, MORE is only relevant to what YOU see as a possibility or what you believe to be true. What I see as enough may appear to be self-indulgent to another.
It's not enough to say people are starving or hurting or in pain. This is life...can we eliminate starvation NO, can we (or even I) solve world hunger YES i.e., we can feed those who are hungry. Going a step further can we teach the hungry to feed themselves? It's the very principle Mother Teresa operated on..."I will not march against war, I will march for peace!".
So I ask "what is it you are for?"
"Thinking BIG" is not a THING it is a principle. It is a way of being in relationship with the world. At least that is how I see it. Who am I being, am I in relationship with the result of I am being?
The distinction of INTERFERENCE vs INFLUENCE is critical as a coach. Influence is unavoidable. Interference is about the coach not the client. Interference does not recognize that there is more than one way to reach a persons desired outcome.
Thinking BIG for me has never been about being or thinking like Michael, said with appreciation Michael...wink, rather it has been "Am I being the ME I want to BE?" The me I find attractive, the me that feels good, the me that is in relationship with the world (i.e., others) and my results. The me that is responsible for my choices and actions even when the results are not the as I planned.
Comparison is a great tool to measure and to learn from as it offers insights that may not be possible when I am focused on me alone. When comparison is used as a judgment I feel flow is lost. Learning is halted and walls are built.
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Comment by Brother Wolf on March 28, 2009 at 12:00pm
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I really enjoyed reading all these posts and on this discussion.
Thank-you Michael once again your right on the money.
Eric Wolf
Storyteller's Website.
Storytelling Podcast.
PS: Your Ning is attracting some spammers - you need a plicey of contact for real community members to notify you when we get spammed. Just another example of small thinking.
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Comment by Rebecca Haninger on March 28, 2009 at 12:27am
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I would buy that the word "greed" was invented by a worn-out mother to keep her kids from asking for what they wanted. Want, greed, whatever you call it, is just a feeling. Leave it be. I'd much rather aim my rebellion at self-righteousness, the inflation of want into something it's just not: holiness. Morality. Divine right. Heroism. Or whatever term people use these days when they're trying to look good.
Thinking big isn't about trumping? Really? Then why are we telling ourselves we're thinking so much bigger and better than the rest of our "glutted, greedy, sedate" society?
Big thinkers, small thinkers...what does size have to do with validity? Big thinking can shake the world. Small thinking can fit into tight spaces. Both have superpowers, so why persecute either?
We all have limited knowledge of what other people's lives are like, yet we all think we know what's best for our country and the earth and the universe, just because we know WE want it. We believe we've got human suffering all figured out, and we put it in a maxim that goes like this: IT'S THE OTHER GROUP'S FAULT. That maxim partnered with another - I AM SAVING THE WORLD - wins every World Championship for starting wars.
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Comment by Ms.Nikki - ManagingMyLife on March 27, 2009 at 11:26am -
Well, I totally agree with you. My aspect of "BIG" thinking is seeing a total picture. Not just small screen view but how do I effect those around me now and time to come? If, in fact, taking advantage of others is the way to go then surely that is ignoring the simple fact that eventually you will have to face those people, situations, or "karma". The whole picture is you may succeed temporarily but cause and effect is a law that will not pass away. So, building your empire on "kicking butt" will fall sooner than you would like or even expect. So, why not build the way our people have done it centuries ago, one brick at a time or should I say one person at a time? We can never know everything or do everything, so needing people is a certainty that will always prove itself to be relevant no matter who, when, where, or how much. BIG thinking has to be bigger than our own intelligence and gifts. It must include what we call "networking" and allow others to not only be added to but add to us as well. To me, that shows who is the "Bigger" person...the "BIG" thinker.
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Lisa, You say "They've had some measure of success... but little real personal power.".
While it is one thing to have an opinion, it is another to come from a place of absolute knowing of another person. This something none of can do without guessing. Even at our very best we still have filters with which we judge, assume and misunderstand.
You also share "When I think of true success, I think of people like Jo Rowling. She has made a lot of money, yes, and she has done it by following her dream, doing what she loves..."
I'm not sure I see how that is different than Trump.
Money is not the THING or the IT and amazingly it is a powerful mirror for all of us.
I hear people whine and complain about Hummers...just the sight of one sends them into a frenzy. Are they the worse car on the road...I doubt it and what about all of the energy with relationship to the Hummer or the Trump...
One person or group of people cannot define for everyone else or even just one other person WHAT IS or SHOULD BE their dream, their contribution and nor can they be the measure of the value of another's dream.
Again, I am at a loss to see how the contribution Trump makes is simply dismissed because of his style both in hair and management of expectations and results or some person expectation that has nothing to do with Trump.
America may have it's challenges and I would offer that those challenges are in large due to the fact that we as a country are learning in action. We will always push the edge socially, scientifically, etc. It is at the edge that life pushes back and feedback is loudest. It there that people are challenged to ask of themselves everyday..."is this really where I want to be!"
While Western medicine may be lacking in relationship to some of the older practices I am hard press to see western medicine as a complete failure either in approach or practice.
We grow as a people collectively not by being the same rather by having an opinion. Alignment does not mean there is agreement.
People are found out not in times of peace, rather in times of stress. It is in stress that we are proven.
Michael, you cannot tell me that you do not have expectations within your organization that can and will challenge even some of the most gifted. This is not different. There is a certain point and time that even Michael draws a line and says it's my ship.
Should Michael be faulted for that..no!
Does Michael want to keep growing his organization and bottom line...it sure appears to be a consideration.
If I recent Michael for his grow and drive what am I really saying about me?
This isn't a discussion about Trump, this is a discussion about something more personal, so it feels for me.
James
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Comment by Lisa Cohan on March 26, 2009 at 8:29pm
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Here's how to cure/avoid cancer if you don't have it: Eat organic food across the board. If you already have cancer, go on a macrobiotic diet, and use Essiac tea. Use therapeutic grade essential oils like Frankincense. Don't do chemo, radiation or medications.
Eat organic food across the board. Don't take drugs- meaning everything from antibiotics to tylenol to birth control pills. There is nearly always another way. Don't get shots or vaccinations unless they are absolutely necessary (polio, rabies and the sort).
Drink well filtered water. Use personal care products and detergents which don't contain toxic chemicals or artificial fragrance like almost all of them do. What you put on your skin goes into your body. Don't use perfume or hair dye or nail polish. Meditate. Cleanse. Exercise. Don't watch the news or read the papers (except the comics). Don't live near power lines or high amounts of pollution.
Basically, our bodies are made to filter out (through the liver and kidneys) certain amounts of toxic load. Toxins are anything your body use or can't easily excrete. When we put things in our bodies containing toxins, from food and then deodorant and then a medication, etc, the body can't handle it all and it builds up and the body grows cancerous cells. Or, causes excess hormone which builds up which leads to abnormalities. Malignancy is simply abnormal cells growing out of control.
They are looking for a "cure" for cancer, when cancer is a mutation which can be prevented and even righted by these methods. Don't let Western medicine doctors tell you the body can't heal itself. It is a bit of an ordeal to do all of this but no less than chemo is, which leaves your immune system compromised for life.
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Comment by Lisa Cohan on March 26, 2009 at 8:22pm
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I think the bottom line is that we can choose to go along with these people or not. They've had some measure of success... but little real personal power. So they have power over others... those who would rather look to someone living in luxury, than look inside for true power. "Power over others is weakness disguised as strength" - Eckhart Tolle.
I feel pity for these "role models." They do not feel the joy of being, the truth beyond all of these limitations. We can chose to follow them or not.
I don't think that we live in a country of freedom at all. I think we are led around like sheep who have the illusion of freedom. We have to claim our freedom and withdraw from this unnatural structure.
Most people would rather have stuff. Wall Street is no more responsible than the masses of citizens who allow the government to keep them in business. The government allowed this bubble and the people spent the money. I agree that the salaries are ridiculous, but they'd be out of business rightfully by the natural economic laws had our lovely government not interfered. When you fight natural laws you cause greater pain for a short term reprieve.
As the great economist Peter Schiff says, we are a country of consumers, led to think that consumption makes a country flourish, which we happily agree with because it justifies us borrowing what we can't pay back to buy more stuff. We do this to try to feel whole. Which doesn't work... so we try to buy more. That is why we are in this state... because we don't know where true wealth comes from. I would ask people to think freely before they can think big. Release these attachments.
When I think of true success, I think of people like Jo Rowling. She has made a lot of money, yes, and she has done it by following her dream, doing what she loves, and all the while bringing joy and inspiration to millions of people. She went from being on welfare, to being rich in every sense of the word. And I get the strong sense that if she made about enough to live on instead of the loads of money she's got, she'd feel just as successful because she spreads joy to others.
Or Eckhart Tolle, who has become fairly wealthy and would be just as satisfied sitting on a park bench for years... and has.
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