Thinker Spot

People's ability to form co-operative networks has since the dawn of time enabled them to survive and progress. The history of the human species points to an ability to form coherent networks from which members derive particular benefits. In fact, the size of the human cortex suggests that unlike any other species on the planet, we have the mental capacity to sustain social networks of considerable size and complexity. The continued energy we put into our relations stem from a belief and proof in the tangible and intangible benefits of collaboration and sharing: it works because of mutual trust and reciprocity. Collaboration being the key, the transferal of knowledge and skills have all along been an integral part of human existence. Collingwood (1993) states in The Idea of History: "Man has been defined as an animal capable of profiting by the experience of others. Of his bodily life this would be wholly untrue: he is not nourished because another has eaten, or refreshed bec...

Elephants and fleas: Not something that one always associates with one another, nor a fiddler on one's roof. Having seen a production of this much-acclaimed play recently at the Nelson Mandela Civic Theatre in Johannesburg, I recalled Charles Handy writing about progress and change—a recurring theme throughout his works. By allowing us a glimpse into his own life, which he describes as a portfolio consisting of various categories, he reminds us that no new technologies will alter the dilemma we have with progress. In fact it might get more difficult. His Holiness the Dalai Lama reminds us in The Art of Happiness that change is part of life. While change is fraught with difficulties, which is necessary for growth, one needs to leave room for vantage points, perspectives, and perceptions to decide how difficult we perceive our existence to be. For many, however, capitalism and the modern world have not delivered on its promise for "the good life". Surely the culminating e...