Tuesday, January 4, 2011

And Yet the Human Condition Still Remains Fragile

My friend and college classmate Doug recommended I read "It's a Meaningful Life-It Just Takes Practice" by Bo Lozoff, Director of the Human Kindness Foundation. The forward is written by the Dalai Lama:

"In recent times, civilization has made many advances, but we continue to be troubled by problems because of our undue emphasis solely on material development. We have become so engrossed in its pursuit that, almost without knowing it, we have neglected to foster the most basic human needs for love, kindness, cooperation and caring. And yet the development of human society is based entirely on people helping each other."

That is why I wrote my first book, The neXus Initiative, to explain that developing business is about helping others build their business first, and not focused on getting material wealth from others, but about cooperation and genuine care for other's business. When you do this, the law of human reciprocity takes effect, and more business than you can realize comes to you.

In our world of iPads, Androids, Blackberry's it is easy to forget that someone is across from you is eager to have a real human conversation, and not distracted by texts and emails. I am amazed how ready people are to tell me their story, when I ask and listen.

Tell me your story of how you put down your device and really listened to the story of another.

1 comment:

  1. Last night, I attended a CHL Hockey game as I do weekly. I noticed the same man I see every time (still alone and wearing the same outfit). I figured since I was by myself as well I would scoot closer to him.
    Drawing near to him, I made a comment about the game and he responded with a smile. He told me stats and history I had never known. He truely educated me on the game and the team. Who would have guessed that a lonely, meager man would know so much about hockey.
    It took me two months to talk to this man because I was too proud and felt he was "beneath me." I feel blessed now to know I made an impact on this mans life even if it was such a small thing as a being a friend.

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