I want to tell you a story. Yes, another one.
“I started my life with a single absolute: that the world was mine to shape in the image of my highest values and never to be given up to a lesser standard, no matter how long or hard the struggle.”
– Dagny Taggart. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.
I want to tell you a story. Yes, another one.
When I was very young (and probably influenced by the Ace Ventura franchise movies) I wanted to be a Pet Detective when I grew up. I bought detective books, watched Animal Planet all day on Saturdays and really dove into the animal kingdom to get to know its many species. I began by saving stray cats, nurturing them back to health and giving them an owner. I thought it was destiny, I had the power to affect something outside of me and that was the greatest gift of all. Soon I grew up, and with me the world outside did too. I found out about dolphin killings, dogs used as meat, elephants, sharks, you name it. Suddenly it all seemed too big for me to take on and sure enough I stopped.
This is what happens with me, and I believe a big majority of people, when we talk about climate change. Contrary to popular belief, I don´t think awareness is the problem. The problem has been lack of actionable impactful steps. We’ve been made well aware of it in documentaries, papers, the news and even our sudden schizophrenic seasons; if we/you can still call them that. The problem then, is: what should I do? And does it matter? The answer: YES. FOR BOTH. Key words: Do and Matter. The smallest deed is greater than the biggest intention no matter how small the deed. We can’t pretend to change all of it at once and it has to be motivated at an individual level, by the entrepreneur, the inventor, the creator. No one else. Even a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and rather than framing the problem as to what big solution can we all find as mankind, the approach should much rather be what relatively smaller things can we do as individuals? I don’t believe the long term sustainable solution comes from Greenpeace, WWF or any other eco-group or movement. Who saved more trees: Greenpeace delegates chaining themselves to forest trees or the inventor of the USB? Who has had more impact: government through initiatives for alternative energy or Elon Musk through Tesla (yep, the awesome car dad drives to the beach)? The list goes on. In short, the only revolutions that triumph are those which are based in the greatness that occurs when they are powered by the individual.
Now I´ll answer the question posed: You knew about climate change and what did you do about it? –Not much.
Yet.
I haven´t owned a car in three years so I guess that counts, but I did it more motivated by my own comfort than anything. The existence of Uber, Zipcar, BlahBlah Car and many others has allowed me to do so. I haven’t done much yet I guess because of the enormity of the problem but in writing this letter to you I almost want to smack myself in the face. Not doing something because it’s too big?!?!?! That is most certainly not your father. The first small deed then, I guess, is writing this letter.
In all I think the collective answer has to come from individual passions. Many people won’t be directly rallying the troops in congress, giving speeches or setting up foundations, but I have a sneaky feeling it will be indirectly affected. To give you a quick, short term (for me), example: If through Geek someone can learn about climate change, learn to code, learn about business and a ways down the road become the next Elon Musk, well, then, I will die a happy man.
Mankind has always been able to deal with the greatest challenges it’s faced and this will not be the exception. My message to you is: find that passion and give it your all. ‘Till your legs give out. And through that passion you’ll find a platform like no other and one with which you will be able to change the world in ways you never thought you could, no matter the size of the task at hand.
I started my letter with a quote so, as you know me well, I’ll leave you with another one from the same character in my favorite book for you to carry forever:
“You don’t have to see through the eyes of others, hold onto yours, stand on your own judgment, you know that what is, is–say it aloud, like the holiest of prayers, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
All my love,
Dad.
