It's a Kind of Magic

Magick — the ability to shape outcomes according to will — is both a science and an art. Variations on the theme of the magical have existed from the earliest times; most ancient cultures had their form of magic and similar practices persisted through the ages. The problem–and the reason for the triumph of “modern” scientific and industrial practices over the magical–was that, although the concept of bending reality to conform with Will was valid, the process by which it was achieved was not. Occult imagery, rituals, and dancing around with supposed spiritual beings is not the way to practice magick. If that’s your thing it may be fun, but the end result will not be satisfying. Some of the consequences of these methods may lead to results: looking systemically, effectively engaging and entertaining people in furthering a cause, stripping away the unnecessary and having a clear strategy can produce magical outcomes. There are simpler, more effective, ways to do this however.

Unfortunately the industrial-age, with its focus on factory production and Cartesian logic has stripped away a lot of the magick from life. Conformity is the new God, and its worship requires that identical raw materials are processed to give consistent product. It teaches that cause leads to effect and effects can be measured. It condenses complexity into binary choices (pass/fail, either/or) to allow box-checkers to do their jobs. Be it in schools, corporations, or any community working to produce a result, very often systems are designed to ensure conformity and linearity, rather than creativity and innovation to provide a service.

The new sister blog to "Got Impact?"--Itsa Kinda Magick--is dedicated to the pursuit of magick without potions, pentagrams and prancing. Cutting to the essence of what puts the magic back in life and allowing destiny to be shaped to the extent possible in ways that are fun and rewarding. It’s not too late! As Jenny Lewis puts it:

“There’s a little bit of magic, everybody has it. There’s a little bit of sand left in the hourglass”

Older: Old People Should be Shot!

Maybe the title seems a little harsh for a reputable blog like this one. But I will repeat it for good measure: old people should be shot -- it's the only way we are going to evolve and survive as a society. Before my one reader accuses me of blatant oldism, or whichever social-justice rule I have transgressed, let me define "old" more specifically as being people that:

1. Have a complete absence of curiosity 
2. Are working and living in largely the same way today as they were 5 years ago
3. Do not change their mind very often, if at all
4. Are unwilling to invest in activities that may enrich their lives and open up new avenues

Still not convinced that shooting is the right fate for this demographic? Let me expand. Firstly, to address the macro- and micro-challenges in today's world there are two critical but oft-overlooked design principles to consider:

1. We can't solve the problems that we are facing today using the same perspective that created them in the first place.
2. The solutions we bring to problems are often not solutions to the problem that exists by the time we have found this solution. The rate of change is changing and situations evolve faster than our ability to react. 

Old people (as defined by the criteria above):

• Deal with problems and opportunities using the same systems and mindsets they have always used. 
• Are largely convinced they are right, and do not change their perspective readily. They believe that their experience trumps the benefits of learning new skills and methodologies.
• Don't have time to try anything different because they're busy. 

We wouldn't miss them after they're all shot because they can now (or very soon) be replaced by automated systems. Busy-workers will no longer be needed as computers continue to prove that they can surpass human abilities. Even workers who contribute knowledge and experience will be replaced if they're not adding value beyond this, as automated systems can readily store and process more information than the average oldie.

Thanks to old folk each generation traps itself in the mental models of many years prior while the environment evolves at an ever-increasing rate. Like the apocryphal boiling frog they are slowly being stewed and we all pay the consequences. Boiling them is not quick enough. My suggestion -- we should devise a quiz along the lines of:

• Here's an interesting app or tool that could enrich your life, it costs $3.99, would you buy it?
• Are you using any new systems, technology and methods compared to those you were using 5 years ago?
• Do you learn and change your mind on issues more than once a week?
• Do you think you are correct in your opinions?
• Do you think others tend to be wrong? 

Participation would be mandatory for all citizens; their photo, name and address would be captured from existing online records automatically on registration. No clue would be given as to the outcome of the quiz, although a substantial "prize" would be hinted at. After collecting all the responses the true nature of the test would be revealed: all who exceed a pre-determined "age-corrected self-importance" score could be legally shot. Their identity and location would be published, and rewards given to those who bag the most of 'em over the year.

A drastic solution I admit, but drastic times call for commensurately radical measures. Unless we rid the world of its burden we will not evolve quickly enough to survive and thrive as a race, and every indicator at the moment is that the old guys are winning!

Never get older!