Three Minute Leadership: Would You Drink from the Fountain of Youth?
To: The Great Leaders Who Have a Passion for Continuous Learning
Michio Kaku, theoretical physicist, in a recent TV broadcast, “Time”, discusses how the knowledge of time affects human existence. In the concluding segment he introduces Dr. Aubrey De Grey, British researcher on aging, who states that with current work “aging can be postponed indefinitely fairly soon.” With this thought Kaka asks us to imagine a time in the future when an elixir is discovered that will “keep you young forever.” The following are the responses from people who were asked if they would drink the elixir from the fountain of youth.
“I could do with a little more time; but 200 years or a hundred years is a pretty long time.”
“I am happy right now. So, yes, I guess I would drink this elixir of life.”
“I think life would become mundane. I think human emotions would suffer profoundly.”
“Sure! Absolutely! I like life and I would be happy to live an awful lot more of it.”
“Too sad when all my loved one pass; too sad when my world disappears. Already I’m sick of everything.”
“Not saying that I wouldn’t, but I’d need to think very carefully about it. I’d have to think back to what my best age was, now that I have reached this age.”
“It would be so boring to live forever. It would be awful I think.”
“I think it would be great if everyone had to live with the consequences of their actions. I think the problem is humans dies too soon.”
“I’d rather die. Really! Yeah, I think that makes life so worthy is that in the end we die, we all do. This is what makes it so extraordinary.”
The responses offer different perspectives that touch both ends of the spectrum – from the ‘awful’ to the ‘absolutely.’ We all see life differently. What differentiates the great leaders is the desire to find their greatest potential – whatever their age. And they have learned that they have infinite possibilities that continue to grow them and bring youth to their life. The question to you is: would you drink from the fountain of youth? Before you answer, read the words of Sophia Loren, Italian film actress: “There is a fountain of youth: it is in your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source , you will truly have defeated age.” Remember always the words of Frank Lloyd Wright, architect and author: “The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.” Enjoy this magnificent journey and serve others that they may find its magnificence also.
Have a beautiful day and a fantastic week!!!
Mike
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