On Friday I watched the Chinese present one of the most symbolic and meaningful displays of true Olympic spirit EVER by focusing the world’s attention on what can be accomplished if thousands act in harmony.
No one was leading the drummers. There were no marks on the floor to define where the tai-chi circles were to be created. All of the majesty was acheived by individuals being aware of their surroundings, their neighbors and the role they were meant to play.
It required months if not years of dedicated practice to achieve this vision, to say nothing of the individual and collective commitment of resources. And while technology played a role in this triumphant spectacle, no machine could ever duplicate what these human beings were able to enact.
As Authors and New Media Publishers we would be wise to remember these lessons from the Bird’s Nest, and ensure there is more to our work than the mere quest for gold.