An author I follow mentioned "Renaissance Time" by Perry Marshall in a newsletter. That led me to look into Perry Marshall, and I found a playlist on his YouTube channel. He has a few interesting insights.
Renaissance Time. He calls his concept of meditation "Renaissance Time." Perry's argument is that the massive concept explosion during the Renaissance Era came from a combination of increased leisure time brought on by wealth and the ability to reflect. He says we in the 21st Century are at a time when we have increased leisure brought on by technology. But, we waste that time by medicating ourselves with entertainment. His meditation approach is to wake up, shower, grab some caffeine and journal for up to an hour. Perry offers there are other reflective activities that can yield the same outcome. But, he argues the brain is freshest, so this is the best time.
Demilitarized Zone. When you have strongly divergent views, you have to create a demilitarized zone. This is an environment that allows the different people to be themselves, break bread, and find a way to talk without attacking one another. The goal is to understand the other, not persuade. Perry has four rules for a DMZ: 1) put down your weapons, 2) assume positive intention of the other, 3) don't hide behind screen names and 4) get to the truth, not the sale.
Interdisciplinary Explainer. In order to understand your domain, you have to understand its context. This can only come by studying multiple different domains. Those who are best able to help you understand are those who are experts in multiple domains and can explain a subject to you in plain English instead of industry jargon. When you see what worked in more than one domain, you can start to pick out the patterns that can be applied in many domains. You can do this faster and more effectively. Ideas always come from the outside. To be an insider and an outsider, Perry says you have to be an Interdisciplinary Explainer.
Don't Focus on Needless Things. Perry also observes that we focus on needless things. This includes arguing on social media, working jobs where we do what we're told to pay the bills, etc. We were meant to be creative. Punching the clock longer does not accomplish anything, or at least anything useful. Perry suggests have/have-not divide is because most work is only $20/hour work. You have to create something new, simplify the complex, or re-conceptualize. This is the power of the Internet; you have to make a unique contribution or you'll be beaten out by the likes of Amazon. This focus on the needless was taught to us in school to support factory work. The world changed.
Art is Concealing the Compromise. Perry talks about creativity. "Art is Science with more than seven variables." He talks about a CFO who choreographs a multi-billion dollar company with complex revenue streams to make all the money go away and avoid taxes. Art is about working within the constraints and making compromises that hide those constraints to create something of value. This is the same in management, working with the limitations, weaknesses, flaws, strengths and virtues of employees to make it all look seamless.
Renaissance Time. He calls his concept of meditation "Renaissance Time." Perry's argument is that the massive concept explosion during the Renaissance Era came from a combination of increased leisure time brought on by wealth and the ability to reflect. He says we in the 21st Century are at a time when we have increased leisure brought on by technology. But, we waste that time by medicating ourselves with entertainment. His meditation approach is to wake up, shower, grab some caffeine and journal for up to an hour. Perry offers there are other reflective activities that can yield the same outcome. But, he argues the brain is freshest, so this is the best time.
Demilitarized Zone. When you have strongly divergent views, you have to create a demilitarized zone. This is an environment that allows the different people to be themselves, break bread, and find a way to talk without attacking one another. The goal is to understand the other, not persuade. Perry has four rules for a DMZ: 1) put down your weapons, 2) assume positive intention of the other, 3) don't hide behind screen names and 4) get to the truth, not the sale.
Interdisciplinary Explainer. In order to understand your domain, you have to understand its context. This can only come by studying multiple different domains. Those who are best able to help you understand are those who are experts in multiple domains and can explain a subject to you in plain English instead of industry jargon. When you see what worked in more than one domain, you can start to pick out the patterns that can be applied in many domains. You can do this faster and more effectively. Ideas always come from the outside. To be an insider and an outsider, Perry says you have to be an Interdisciplinary Explainer.
Don't Focus on Needless Things. Perry also observes that we focus on needless things. This includes arguing on social media, working jobs where we do what we're told to pay the bills, etc. We were meant to be creative. Punching the clock longer does not accomplish anything, or at least anything useful. Perry suggests have/have-not divide is because most work is only $20/hour work. You have to create something new, simplify the complex, or re-conceptualize. This is the power of the Internet; you have to make a unique contribution or you'll be beaten out by the likes of Amazon. This focus on the needless was taught to us in school to support factory work. The world changed.
Art is Concealing the Compromise. Perry talks about creativity. "Art is Science with more than seven variables." He talks about a CFO who choreographs a multi-billion dollar company with complex revenue streams to make all the money go away and avoid taxes. Art is about working within the constraints and making compromises that hide those constraints to create something of value. This is the same in management, working with the limitations, weaknesses, flaws, strengths and virtues of employees to make it all look seamless.
--
Ben
In tenebris solus sto