The Menschlichkeit of the Machine

What the internet needs, according to trendguru Guy Kawasaki, is more Mensch. That will make the world a better place.

It (being Guy's story) all starts with 'I have a theory (as opposed to a dream) that Heaven is a three-class Boeing 777.' and it ends with 'hope this helps you become a mensch. No need to thank me if it does--helping you is reward enough--ie, “Don't menschion it.”'

Wanna figure out what or who's in the middle? (probably you, but then again, who am i?) Read Guy's full story here.

For those of you who are addicted to quick lists:

Help people who cannot help you.
Help without the expectation of return.
Help many people.
Do the right thing the right way.
Pay back society.

Kind of reminds me of what this Guy (his real name is Tony) said at last year's TED-convention.

It's really great stuff, especially for everyone who thinks business is all about making money, immorality and unethical behaviour.

Great work Guys!

Rives: the end of the zillionation of internet?

Well, you've read about the funky babelesque proportions of the internet. (If you haven't, read the previous post.)

But what about it? It's still one big mess. Or it's pretty damn well organised so it looks like a mess when it actually isn't. Kind of reminds me of the whole Genesis-story. Author was some fellow called God.

Anyway, the net wouldn't be such a mess (and my infoaddiction would probably be a lot easier to bear) if the artist River would run it. Or at least, that's what he claimed in december 2006 at the TED-talks.

You tell me.



Full text?

More from Rives?

Official website

Who's right about the left? (Peter Duncombe maybe?)

What do Paris Hilton, Grand Theft Auto, Las Vegas and a McDonalds commercial have in common with progressive politics? Not much, you think. And you're absolutely right.
Ay, there's the rub. At least according to American professor Stephen Duncombe. In his new book Dream: Re-Imagining Progressive Politics in the Age of Fantasy he holds a passionate plea for more imagination in current left-wing politics.

Up to now leftwing politics got obsessed with reason. Why? Probably because Enlightened America believed it was the propper thing to do. But the means of reason are also available to conservatives and right-wing politicians. And apparantly they aren't doing such a bad job using them. If left wants to come up with an answer, they have to use their imagination again and start incorporating it into their political vision. This TED-talk by Sir Ken Robinson might be a good start. And the book by Duncombe as well of course. (website, forum).

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