Inspiration

Here are two quotes from highly dissimilar sources: 

            “Out of clutter, find simplicity.

              From discord, find harmony.

              In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity.”

n      Albert Einstein 

“Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital.

  Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have

            Existed if labor had not first existed.

  Labor is the superior of capital, deserves much the

            Higher consideration.”

n      Abraham Lincoln

The first citation is consistent with my recent postings. Opportunities abound when we see our surroundings in a different light. The noise of disagreement, the debates in public media, the chaos of change and discomfort raise fear and dread. Wanting peace, desiring order, seeking comfort our minds tend toward simple thoughts; core ideas. From these we can construct a bridge toward agreement; solution. From this opportunity emerges followed by a leap to action; the future comes nearer. Possibility begins to form. 

One can almost see Einstein’s scientific mind processing through challenges. Logical. Step by step. Oops; something doesn’t fit; re-think. Gather fresh breath, input from others, collaborate a bit more. Seek silence and privacy. Allow concentration to push logic through the mush. A trickle of an idea forms. Moving in and out of mists, the thought grows larger until it stands on its own. Stands to be viewed from all directions. Tested and probed until it yields a clearer, more provable point. Something to hang onto? Something that will help us find a future answer to a puzzle. Maybe even an answer to  unasked questions? Opportunity and possibility. Related. Positive. Strengthening our thinking. Yield yet to be determined. But there for our use.

Lincoln’s statement bold in its fresh realization: Capital stands not alone; it relies on Labor. Is Labor then capital? Maybe. But it is surely the equal of Capital because capital has no power unless hands are available to do the work, to do the thinking, to do the processing, to make the capital do its work. The two together. Both are needed. Superiority of one over the other? Perhaps, maybe not. Who cares. The two must combine to make opportunity and possibility happen. 

Comingling these two quotes provides creative tension. One states disharmony and/or chaos is good because it leads to discovery of opportunity. The other pits capital and labor in a struggle that suggests a parity exists; just the suggestion raises unharmonious discussion to a better plane. Possibility. Opportunity to explore ways of joining forces, of collaborating. Building that which has not been; building future. Possibility. 

With this perspective, then, Lincoln’s statement becomes useful. We have two resources to work with. Stop arguing over which came first or which is more valuable. They are both valuable. Besides, labor came first! It is the basic asset with which we were born. We sought shelter with our labor; built it. We found food and established a reliable source of it for self and family. We created tools to use in all of our endeavors. We accumulated things that helped us survive in the wilderness. We nested, nurtured and survived.

The accumulations of tools and household items led to other aggregations, mostly from social groupings or tribes living together for improved chances of survival, and yearning for quality of life. Over time our work became sorted by skills and special talents, and the need for division of labor. Long afterwards the notion of ownership of things both tangible and intangible took shape and the concept of Capital with a capital ‘C’ came into full being. Along the way Labor with a capital ‘L’ ebbed, faded. And then ideology argued the relative values of each. Endlessly. To this day.

It is good to know the etymology of these terms. But it is even better to realize the length of the discussion or debate! Isn’t it time to settle on some definitions so we can pursue the future undistracted by ideological side trips?

It seems to me that concerns over capitalism, socialism, even communism or collectivism, misplaces our energy and focus. Yes these debates continue in our day, but need they? Can’t we agree on some of these terms so we can collaborate on finding opportunity and make possibility a reality?

We have work to do. Can we finally get down to doing it? Hang on to your point of view. Remember your heritage. Pay homage to your anthropological roots. But please; let’s get on with the business of living.

The future beckons!

February 19, 2012