On Leaving Things Better than We Found Them
Every once in a while I am exposed to something that recalibrates my view on my profession. A book, a conversation, a performance that knocks me back to first principles, that I am in this game to make a difference, to leave this place better than I found it. And that there is so much more to do...
I have been doing soapbox duty recently on what passes for planning at San Quentin. This top down approach that has left me dumbfounded. No response to date from our elected officials about why the law proscribes such a use on this irreplaceable 275 acre bayfront property and what it would take to change the law.
Here is a talk by an amazing woman, a MacArthur Fellow, about creating sustainable communities--an amazingly inspiring use of ten minutes of your day. Watch this, and think about what is about to happen here.
I warn you, it is a powerful presentation. If public presenting is part of your life, you might also appreciate Guy Kawasaki's take on Majora Carter's performance,
"I would love it if my daughter would grow up to be a warrior like Majora."
As Majora said, "We have nothing to lose...and everything to gain."
