I find a lot of inspiration, and I get constantly challenged by Umair Haque’s views on the world. In this instance, I think he is absolutely right. The future will be made in the choices we make right now. Every choice. And the sooner we begin to make education about these types of choices, the better our chances for a bright future for our kids.
In your untapped potential lies the power to create the future. But first you have to choose the future. So here’s my challenge to you. Look at yourself, for a moment, through history’s unblinking eyes. All those building blocks our forebears fought for: liberty, reason, justice, democracy and the rest. Be honest: are you (really) making the most of them, sucking the marrow from them — and maybe, just maybe, even bettering them? Or are you, like too many of us, too much of the time, squandering them, frittering them away, taking them glibly for granted? We are not mute victims of history — thanks to those who came before us, we have the power to choose prosperity. Hence, my suggestion. Use it. Today’s most radical, revolutionary act? Not protesting or marching, letter-writing or campaigning. But giving the tired, toxic status quo the thumbs down — and choosing, instead, a disruptively meaningful path for your life. Every second of every day of it.