The inflection point of history belongs to the current generation

When we look at ourselves, I think it's important to see ourselves in the perspective of the continuum of time. Our lives are the connection between the past and the future. We are continuing the efforts of past generations and setting the direction for future generations. That is why it is so crucial that we assess the quality of our current lifestyle and evaluate if we are making a meaningful contribution to mankind's progression in the precious time we have been given.

Set the bar high

Making high standards for yourself allows you to constantly be growing and encourages those around you to strive for excellence as well.

Do you demand respect or command respect?

"A people unused to restraint must be led, they will not be drove" -George Washington, Jan. 3rd, 1777

George Washington was a person that commanded respect, rather than demanding it. This is why in the records of history, he is remembered as the most critical figure in the Revolutionary War. In fighting for the ideal of liberty and freedom, imposing restrictions and threats upon his army would have quickly dispirited his men and lost the war. It was only through commanding respect through 'leading from the front" - showing the example of self-sacrifice and dedication to the cause as the inspiration for those under his leadership.

The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia (during IYLA USA 2014, August 16th)

This was displayed to me in a vivid image depicted in the book "1776". At the critical battle for Princeton, New Jersey, on Jan. 1st, 1777 George Washington lead the frontal assault on the enemy. Why would he place himself in such a dire circumstance when he was in a post of such importance? Because he firmly knew that the cause of freedom and liberty was at stake in this decisive battle. In that moment, Washington clearly demonstrated that he valued the cause of America more than any institutional position of authority or artificially construed reputation. If this battle could salvage what little hope was left in the American cause, he would not spare any available resource, including his own life, in determining its victory.

And thanks in large part to Washington's noble leadership that day, victory is what resulted.

Leading from the front

There is nothing easier than being a follower. But what the world needs is people who lead from the front, on uncharted territory.

I feel like I'm give a choice every day to either be mediocre and follow the crowd, or take the risk, put in the extra effort, and take the uncharted course.

The second choice is where innovation happens and real value is created, and I want to choose that path daily.

Ingenuity is forged in despair

In the book "1776" by McCullough, I was fascinated to hear about the timing of the completion of the Declaration of Independence. In the midst of the most frantic war preparations America had seen, delegates gathered to draft the most defining historic document of our time. The whole country knew that the full wrath of their enemy would any day be unleashed upon their ill-trained militia-men, yet the assembly in Philadelphia went ahead and signed a statement that made it as clear as day not only where they stood but why. Two days after, as word was being sent throughout the 13 colonies of the nation's consensus on independence, a British fleet of over 100 ships had positioned outside the New York harbor, outnumbering the colonists about seven to one. One can only imagine the distress and urgency of the time.

August 2014: I visited the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed
on July 4th, 1776 with my friends from Pakistan and Indonesia

How is it then, that such a profound piece of literature was able to be authored in a circumstance that would rattle the nerves of any man trying to write a sensible statement, let alone an unprecedented assertion of innate human rights that broke through all prior concepts of governance and civilization? It was only possible with the spirit and ardor of a people so committed to a cause that they turned the distress of the times into fuel for their passionate endeavor to establish their ideal nation.

Imagine if we could have the same attitude in our daily life, taking any setback or adversity as a test of our resolve and commitment to our ideals? Ingenuity and profound achievements are always forged with this kind of mindset, and this can be our lifelong habit if we determine it.

A privilege is a responsibility

A privilege is something that is given to us, not necessarily based on merit, but on trust. Whether it's wealth, social status, popularity, influence, or even plain old good luck, these are privileges God has given us with the hope and trust that we will use them to serve the greater good. In this sense, privilege entails a certain responsibility to be a conduit whereby more people can receive benefit.

Th opposing attitude when receiving privilege is self-centered, where we think that we deserve the benefit ourselves and others do not. Yet if we reflect deeper, we recognize that ultimately nothing in this world was of our doing, but was given to us as a gift with no strings attached. With this view, how can we claim anything we receive as ours and ours alone?

The only sensible attitude is to offer everything with which we are privileged for the lofty purpose of benefiting mankind.

I was privileged to eat this delectable sushi with my parents on New Year's eve.
This is my way of sharing my precious experience with you!

The one person you must always check

The one person I must always watch out for is none other than myself. If I cannot release my own ambitions, greed, lust, and arrogance, how can I take care of or guide anyone else?

That is why the greatest battle is always inside oneself.