Saturday, March 01, 2008
I'm reading a book for work called "The Anatomy of Buzz." It's written to attempt to explain how companies should think regarding the way our social networks impact the spread of ideas and product adoption. (Kind of like "The Tipping Point.") So far it's talked about how part of the process is that we're all part of several circles, and constantly picking up info from individuals in one circle and passing it to people in others, speaking up about positive and negative experiences as consumers. In some circles we might be leaders, making it a point to stay connected to the world outside the circle and keep learning. In others we might not go out exploring for info, and rather, simply rely on the word of others.
It made me start thinking about what circles I am in... circles of friends, family, coworkers... golfers, book enthusiasts... young adults, New Yorkers, U of A alumni... and kind of made my head spin. It's not one of those things we consciously think about, and can be kind of cool when it means you might very well be someone who influences the way others think in certain areas. So think about it: What circles are you a part of? When and where are you that influential person that others rely on for ideas and expertise? And who do you turn to for ideas and expertise on other things? It's kind of fun to think about.
I also had a couple of random thoughts today...
1.) I have a feeling that the same people who manufacture the mirrors for fitting rooms in stores also make the mirrors in barbershops and salons. In both places, you try something on or see your haircut and think, "Sweet!" Then you go home and all of a sudden it's like you're not even looking at the same thing anymore.
2.) I love it when I see older couples who walk side by side in stride, stepping left and right in sync without even realizing it. It makes me feel like there's reason to believe we could meet someone we connect with beyond a conscious level. Or, is it possible that once upon a time, these two people walked out of stride, bumping into each other or others from time to time, and only over time learned to walk together?
5 comments:
Hey Brodes,
It is pretty amazing how in this world of communication at our finger tips that we more often than not forget where our fingers are.
I thought your random thoughts were pretty interesting, and actually I wonder what or who inspired these thoughts.
I'm still thinking about a response for the mirrors, but I think I agree with you about walking in stride over time. Expanding upon that, I think that people initially fall in love because they find that they have the ability to walk together in every facet of life, even if sometimes they trip over eachother. Finding a persons who matches well with you "life line" as I like to call it, is a rare thing. Sometimes people's life lines match perfectly for a time and then diverge. When life lines match too perfectly, there is often times not enough interaction between the life lines in order to form a strong interaction between them that will last forever. It is this interaction, in the form of talking, touching, kissing, fighting, laughing, learning and loving, that allows people to eventually walk in stride.
This is why I believe that even if you have loved and lost, you have learned how to interact, how to communicate, how to love, and how to learn from your partner and how to help them learn from you, resulting in a symmetry in your life that cannot be broken.
Pete!
I dig your take on things. Yesterday I was walking to the grocery store and saw an elderly couple crossing the street. The woman had her arm entwined in the man's, and they walked perfectly in stride, wordlessly. There was an unspoken intimacy between the two of them that left me feeling inspired. After reading your thoughts, I have to think that all of the experiences they've shared - the ups, the downs - have given them something special.
Now what would be funny is if they just met a couple weeks ago. =)
It really is lovely to think of it. All humanity, sharing a thought without speaking it.
Do you like Murakami? This is my favorite of his short stories. Your post made me remember how I felt when I first read this one.
Vanessa,
That is a moving story. It's both witty and heartfelt, and reflects some of what I go through most days. Walking down the street I'll see a girl from a distance and wonder, "Should I try to make eye contact? Should I smile? Should I sing quietly to myself as we pass and hope she hears it?" But as quickly as this silly notion starts, we pass and I continue on my way, never to give it a second thought. But it's nice to think about... what a novel idea, that 100% girl or 100% boy... 100% love versus 75% love. I like it!
Haven't you watched that one episode of seinfeld, where the dept store has 'thin mirrors' and Elaine buys a hideous dress there?
I think that is pretty darn true! And with respect to haircuts, I either cringe, or close my eyes :)
-K
Post a Comment