Wk 2 The Art of Possibility-Manuel Miranda

Posted by Manuel: For this weeks readings of chapter 1 through 4 of the Art of Possibility, the underlying tone throughout the 4 chapters was of how oneself should view and act in our world today. The chapters talks about tools for reframing how we think about ourselves, others, and the world we play in and about choosing how we feel, how we respond, and how we decide to play.
But there is a concern on my part when one reads this book. The authors depict these steps as mere simple actions from “deep inquiries that we might meditate on”. How can anyone with huge struggles and burdens be able to dwell on such ideas when issues like hunger and lack of housing preoccupying their minds? It is easy to give oneself an A if you have not had to struggle in life. For the everyday person, to dwell on these ideals are a luxury. A luxury that most cannot afford to dedicate time towards.
This world has always been a world of measurement. From the dawn of time to the present. There are only two types of people in this world, the ones that are well off and the ones who are just survivors. To the foremost, it is easy to think of the possibilities and “Oh I can make a difference” attitude because they have the least of the worries. To the latter, the survivors, they hope someday be at a point to have that luxury.
While the authors intentions are well and meaningful, like many others that deliver the same message but using different analogies, it is still a choice or lifestyle that is difficult for most in this world and I do not see mankind changing anytime soon.

My Response:
Manuel, I agree in that the writings at first glance look to be delivering a simple antidote to all of life's problems. I think it would be a grave mistake to label this process as easy. However, I do believe that the authors are just pointing out that society has set standards and those same standards have been crippling many because they see them as the marker that "they have arrived". The end of one chapter, (I believe it is two) says that after the self inquiry and arriving at a conclusion, one has still not arrived. These concepts presented seem to be made from the standpoint of someone who has not struggled as much as some. However, I believe that if one were just to focus on possibility rather than set markers, this message would relevant across the board.