Expand Your Mind: Hodgepodge
by Miki Saxon
Today’s selections started in one direction, veered towards another and then went off in a third. But that’s OK; I have great confidence in your ability to follow the sometimes torturous logic of my mind.
The first two present views of raising children. Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior is an essay describing the difference between “Chinese” parenting and “Western” parenting (although both terms are applied more widely); be sure to read some of the nearly 6000 comments. In direct contrast to the Chinese approach is the movement to restore playtime to kids in an effort to encourage imagination and creativity. They seem to be in direct conflict, but are they?
This HBR article brings up a related question: if not you, who? Who will push you to practice and grow as an adult? What happens if you stop working on yourself? How do you know when you need to improve?
Moving from what differentiates individuals to what differentiates organizations, especially organizations in a “dying” industry such as magazines. What allows the number two company to spend a billion dollars on acquisitions in less than a year while the number one company is closing title right and left?
And now a bit of levity to round out the day.
Most people scoff when others talk about their lucky shirt or special rock, but consider the beliefs harmless. Does superstition influence business? In a word, yes—everything from the stock market to productivity. Are you superstitious (you don’t have to answer out loud)?
Image credit: MykReeve on flickr
