It’s unfortunate that it often takes such tragedy and loss to bring people together. One of my favorite books of all time, Peter Atwater’s The Confidence Map, teaches us why that is. Crises trigger a sudden collapse in confidence that strips away individual differences and aligns people around collective survival. They create an environment of shared vulnerability, band people together behind a collective goal and eliminate non-essential disputes with a focus on stabilization, mutual protection and “us” rather than “me”. Some of the world’s most beautiful moments, best ideas, greatest inventions and prominent societal turning points are born out of crisis. History tells us they are a necessary evil. Reading Peter’s book has had a large impact on all facets of my life and psychology - it is a must read.
When I lived in New York, every 9/11 anniversary I started my day with a morning run to the One World Trade Center. Despite not growing up there and only watching the scenes from afar on a grade school television, those mornings were a special time to slow down, reflect, appreciate the little things and remember how precious life is. On this year’s 25th anniversary, the goal is 1,000,000 good deeds to honor the lives lost and make it a day of uniting.
This week’s issue covers:
Stretching the rubber band.
Europe hiking into an energy shock.
What’s popping the bubble in higher education?
Asset allocation thoughts.
