How Prosperity Evolves

In addition to being a Cognitive Philanthropist, I’ve considered myself a rational optimist.  Imagine my delight to come across a book, a business/economics/philosophical book, titled The Rational Optimist.  British author Matt Ridley presents the world a delicious perspective on the truth of prosperity and quality of life.  Can you say, Duh!

Having been bombarded for two decades of doom and gloom end-of-times – over population – no more water – climate disaster – poison planet – humans are a virus, well, you know the list.  Ridley maintains optimism because he’s studied economics, prosperity, innovation, free markets and human nature.  They all add up to a promising future.  Heck, they add up to a more enjoyable present once the goofy terror and fear mongering is cast out.  Some of his bon mots:

            The message from history is so blatantly obvious – that free trade causes mutual prosperity while protectionism causes poverty – that it seems incredible that anybody ever thinks otherwise.

            When asked at the Chicago World Fair in 1893 which invention would most likely have a big impact in the twentieth century, nobody mentioned the automobile, let alone the mobile phone.

Is there a mystery to Ridley’s optimism?  No mystery, but a manner of thinking.  He cites Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Isaac McPherson:

            He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.

If you’re needing some fresh thinking, a bit of rational relief, a venture into the reality of ideas, then you’ll enjoy Ridley’s book.

Here’s a delightful summary:

The Equinox Cometh

I realize that many folks in the South devote much time and energy into beating back life.  I do also – a managed and thus “controlled” yard or garden seems to provide more delight than wilderness.  But it requires vigilance.  Life in these parts doesn’t take “no” for an answer.  Heck, even “slow down” is ignored.  That’s good.

Tenacious.  Life is going to do its thing regardless.  When the fundamental conditions merge then Life does its thing – which is to grow, increase, and grow some more.  It’s a fascinating process. 

Just for funsies, I took some photos of Life the other day.  I like the “parking lot bush” that successfully defied traffic and weed eaters.  The mossy brick is pretty cool also.

Life...inescapable in Louisiana.

Life also blossoms.  

Restoring Faith in the Oscar!

It's a bright, sunny day in Shreveport as a host of folks turned out to celebrate William Joyce, Brandon Oldenburg, and the Moonbot Studios Oscar for 2011 Best Animated Short Film.

What better way to honor and cheer the creative team behind the delightful film than a "ticker tape parade" in downtown Shreveport.  Of course, confetti can't be tossed from sealed windows in tall buildings, but it can be fired from ground air canon with good effect!

The Oscar winning The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is the brainchild of  award winning illustrator William Joyce.  The engaging tale is a personification of books, treasures, and time.  Life is more fun when personified, and Joyce does that in the film.  It's described as Buster Keaton swept up by Hurrican Katrina, landing in Oz and learning the curative power of stories.  It is absolutely charming!

Thanks, Bill, for a great show!

But, don't take my word for it...






And, there's always the parade!

Adventures in Time

Buried at the bottom of a storage box of  "old" papers, photos and treasures were two issues of Time Magazine in 1976 that I had set aside.  During the bicentennial year Time devoted two issues - one for July 4, 1776 and September 26, 1789 to commemorate the Declaration of Independence and the adoption of the Constitution.  The attraction was that Time maintained its 1976 format and departments but reported and illustrated the news from 1776 and 1789.  Even the interior advertisements were in the spirit.

Enormously interesting and factual.  I recall what a hit they were at the time.  I ask Time to re-issue these classics during this election year.  The reporting on the Declaration and the Constitution would be very useful to the electorate, many of whom were yet to enter the wonderful Republic when Time published the two.

For instance, in its "World" section, the 1776 issue addresses the problems with British King George III.  Good history, good information, and good fun.

The rear covers of each issue tell a story - in two advertisements one can easily comprehend the demise of General Motors since 1976.  The cars were ugly, prone to malfunction, and promising high gas mileage.  

I, of course, drove a new Ford Pinto.  Somehow Ford managed to learn from their lousy cars of the era.