I just read a recent Forbes article about the widow of billionaire David Gottesman donating $1 billion for free medical school tuition, we're reminded of the profound disparities in how people can utilize their 24 hours. While this philanthropic gesture is commendable and will significantly impact many students' lives, it also highlights a broader societal issue: not all 24-hour periods are created equal.
The concept that "we all have the same 24 hours" fails to acknowledge the vast differences in individual starting points. For someone who doesn't have to worry about their basic needs, their 24 hours can be spent innovating, creating, and giving back. In contrast, others might spend the same amount of time striving to meet their fundamental needs for safety and security, as outlined by Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
This disparity isn't just about financial resources; it's about the psychological freedom to pursue goals beyond mere survival. Therefore, instead of perpetuating the notion that everyone has an equal opportunity based solely on time, we should focus on encouraging personal growth and daily improvement. Let's shift the conversation towards becoming better each day, recognizing our unique circumstances, and setting achievable, incremental goals. This approach fosters a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of success, one that appreciates effort and growth over comparative achievement. Let's SHIFT OUR PERSPECTIVE.
Debunking Toxicity in Business and Promoting Happy Work
2wReading recommendations are personal. While they can be useful we should be dilligent not to think that reading the same books as someone we look up to will turn us into them or bring out the same in us. It never ever will.