Be a compass, not a clock
In a world obsessed with speed and schedules, I invite you to pause and consider the wisdom of ancient navigation. Discover how the compass guided humanity long before the clock dictated our days, reminding us that direction in life is far more important than the time it takes to get there.
The dawn of timekeeping
While early methods of tracking time, such as sundials and water clocks certainly existed, the mechanical clock as we know it didn't appear until centuries after the compass had already revolutionized navigation.
Have you noticed that the numbers on a clockface are set 30 degs apart, 12 is North, 3 is East, 6 is South, and 9 is west? And of course 12 numbers at 30 gets intervals equals 360 degs, so again showing that the clock came later, plus of course angles are evident: 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 degs etc etc, on the clockface.
The compass, with its elegant simplicity, empowered humans to chart courses, discover new lands, and connect distant cultures, laying the foundation for a globally interconnected world.
It taught us that knowing where you're going is often more crucial than knowing exactly how fast you're getting there, So why do things need to be so very different now?
Find your direction in life
Before the ticking hands of a clock became a universal measure of our lives, the silent, unwavering needle of the compass offered humanity its most vital tool: direction.
Now our lives are totally governed by time, and then we die!
The direction of life takes us back into reality.
Imagine a time when exploration wasn't about being the first to finish the race, rather about finding your way across uncharted territories.
The compass emerged from ingenious minds, providing an essential guide for sailors, traders, and adventurers to navigate the vast oceans and sprawling landscapes.
Your direction in life matters most
I believe in the power of conscious direction over relentless acceleration.
Just as the compass provided invaluable guidance to ancient explorers, realisiing your purpose and setting your course in life is paramount.
I encourage everyone to reflect on their own "true north" – the values, goals, and principles that truly guide them.
Your path may not always be quick, but ensuring you're heading in the right direction is the ultimate journey.
These days I see the growth of 'online influencers', which really are just amateurs thinking they know where they're going in life, and in fact that is simply sending out the wrong signals. I also don't see any evidence to show that they know where they're going to be honest, except racing at everything like a young kid on their fist school sports day, shouting 'look at me Mummy'.
As Henry Ford (the ford vehicles inventor) once said: 'obstacles are those frightful things you'll see, when you take your eye off your goal'
Interestingly the word 'time' wasn't used, and ford is now a globally known name 🤔