Wisdom (part III)

As evidenced in the last post in this series, at times Dee Hock is explicit in sharing his views on the subject of “wisdom". At other times he demonstrates his own wisdom in a more subtle manner.

In working through the common responses those in power have to a rapidly changing world (from “doubling-down” to denial) he states…

“Those in positions of power, wealth, and prestige who tenaciously cling to the present order of things deserve understanding, not condemnation, for they intuitively sense what Machiavelli discovered five centuries ago when he wrote: “Nothing is more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct or more uncertain of success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.

No one should be condemned for failure to welcome change.”

These statements reveal an ethical dimension to Dee, a crucial aspect of “wisdom”. Despite his palpable frustration and disappointment at the rigidity of organisations and institutions past and present, he protects both his own and others dignity.

“we should never act in ways that undermine the equality and dignity of all people – ourselves included.” (Ethics Centre)

That said, he remains firm in encouraging organisational leaders to find the courage and faith to undertake the journey of transforming their worldview…

“Changing an internal model of reality is extremely difficult, often terrifying, and always complex. It requires a meticulous, painful examination of beliefs. It requires fundamental understanding of consciousness and how it must change. It destroys our sense of time and place. It calls into question our very identity. We can never be sure of our place or our value in a new order of things. Changing our internal model of reality requires an enormous act of faith, for it requires time to develop, and we require time to grow into it.

Yet it is the only workable solution.”

From my perspective this journey does not have to be taken alone. Rather than isolated individuals undertaking a heroic quest, instead I feel it could be a collective endeavour - underpinned by a sense of dignity and fellowship.

The hopes of future generations, in sport and beyond, could hinge on us coming to this “only workable solution”.