Envision a world where we could pursue self-actualization without the constraints of living paycheck to paycheck. A world in which the classic trade-off between family and career did not exist. If we were able to attain happiness, fulfill our inherent potential, AND properly rear children, imagine the magnitude of social and cultural problems that would be avoided.
Envision a meritocracy where there was a direct correlation between your hard work, dedication, and the fruits of your labor. This would open up the flood gates to innovation and motivate most people. What if an individual’s accomplishments were only limited by their intelligence, work ethic, perseverance, and creativity? Imagine how much further society could be if we had a true meritocracy.
Envision a labor market where the application and hiring process was fair and employees were perceived as true assets as opposed to operating expenses. In this market, prospective employees would not be discriminated against for any reason (e.g. ageism, over-qualification). Rather, they would be judged by the potential value they could add to the position and the employer. Outsourcing, relocation initiatives, and contingent workforce trends would be replaced by companies retraining employees in emerging skills to maximize their impact and then redeploying these employees so they could continue providing value to the organization. Loyalty would be bi-directional. What would employees accomplish if they had a sense of security in their lives, loyalty to their employers, and pride in their jobs? How tremendous would the value of these consolidated accomplishments and retained knowledge be towards a company’s innovation and profitability? Imagine the implications if quantitative management was replaced by long term strategic thinking and consider the impacts on overall economic productivity.
Envision a government where there was no such thing as a career politician, but rather individuals from all walks of life who gather, legislate, perform their public service, and then return to their respective locations after a specified period of time. This would eliminate the party system, which tends to encourage group think for the benefit of a select few, and represents true diversity. In this government, corruption would be minimized as special interests would lose their hold and decisions would be made quickly. Justice would be distributed equally regardless of socioeconomic status and influence. Imagine a government that was open and transparent with its sole purpose to enable and serve the will of the people.
Envision a mindset where natural resources were valued and treasured. Where people learned, through their childhood and education process, how to live in balance with nature and be sustainable. In this world, food would be as natural as possible and not contribute to illness and disease. People would have choices, but the pricing of natural food would not be prohibitive. The partnership between the food and health/medical industries would be real and meaningful. Imagine what a healthy population would mean to a nation’s satisfaction, productivity, and long term prospects.
What if a world like this was possible? What would we need to sacrifice to obtain such a world?
Alas, the world we have is not similar to the ideal world envisioned in this article. However, that does not mean we shouldn’t dream, idealize, and strive for something better. Eventually, the impossible can become possible. The only way that happens is if we are willing to challenge the status quo. While the probability of this world coming to fruition may be small, I can still dream, imagine, andenvision. As Harriet Tubman once said…
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, patience, and passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
