an online book by David Gurteen
Responsibility is an internal commitment to a moral obligation or duty that we choose to take on. We feel intrinsically compelled to fulfill responsibilities because of our values.
Gurteen Knowledge Blog May 2, 2022, 17:17I write a lot about the need to take responsibility for the changes we would like to see to bring about a better world. It is one of my Conversational Leadership Principles – Take Responsibility. So it is good to see Jordan Peterson making the point too. Knowledge Letter: Issue: … Continue reading We Need to Put Ourselves in Order Perhaps we will do the same for the world
You have a moral obligation to do remarkable things with this miracle of existence that has been granted to you. Credit: Jordan Peterson Source: Jordan Peterson’s message to Gen Z | ARC Conference 2023Posts where this quotation is embedded Artificial and Natural Intelligence Exploring the essential difference between natural and artificial forms of intelligence Caring We naturally … Continue reading You Have a Moral Obligation to Do Remarkable Things Jordan B Peterson
Responsibility | Jordan Peterson Excerpt from Dr. Jordan Peterson describing the importance of communicating the value of responsibility to young people. Taken from his lecture: 2017 Maps of Meaning 9: Patterns of Symbolic Representation Posts where this video is embedded Artificial and Natural Intelligence Exploring the essential difference between natural and artificial forms of intelligence Caring We … Continue reading Jordan Peterson on Responsibility Jordan Peterson
Take responsibility for your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. To take responsibility for your life is to take responsibility for your powers of thinking, feeling, speaking and acting, because this is the structure of all human experience. You create your life with your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. You take responsibility when you accept that … Continue reading Take Responsibility for Your Thoughts, Feelings, Words, and Actions Dina Marais
Life has meaning with responsibility. The more responsibility you take on the more meaning your life has. Credit: Jordan B Peterson Source: Jordan Peterson on responsibilityPosts where this quotation is embedded Artificial and Natural Intelligence Exploring the essential difference between natural and artificial forms of intelligence Caring We naturally take responsibility for the people and the things … Continue reading Life Has Meaning with Responsibility Jordan B Peterson
Responsibility begins with the willingness to take the stand that one is cause in the matter of one’s life. It is a declaration not an assertion, that is, it is a context from which one chooses to live. Responsibility is not burden, fault, praise, blame, credit, shame or guilt. In responsibility, there is no evaluation … Continue reading Responsibility Begins with the Willingness to Take the Stand That One Is Cause in the Matter of One’s Life Werner Erhard
The search for human freedom – freedom being the choice to be a creator of our own experience and accept the unbearable responsibility that goes with that. Out of this insight grows the idea that perhaps the real task of leadership is to confront people with their freedom. This may be the ultimate act of … Continue reading The Real Task of Leadership Is to Confront People with Their Freedom Peter Block
We can choose to be audacious enough to take responsibility for the entire human family. We can choose to make our love for the world what our lives are really about. Each of us has the opportunity, the privilege, to make a difference in creating a world that works for all of us. It will … Continue reading Choose to Be Audacious Enough to Take Responsibility for the Entire Human Family Werner Erhard
The traditional assumption that “knowledge is power” and is used for personal gain is being subsumed by the notion that knowledge is an expression of the shared responsibilities for the collective well-being of humanity and the planet as a whole. Credit: Jeremy Rifkin The Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in … Continue reading Knowledge Is an Expression of Shared Responsibilities Jeremy Rifkin
Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life, he can only respond by being responsible. Credit: Viktor … Continue reading Each Man Is Questioned by Life Viktor Frankl
Gurteen Knowledge Blog July 2, 2021, 16:16I have written in my blook that knowledge alone is not power. But I rather like this definition of knowledge by Jeremy Rifkin in his book The Empathic Civilization. Knowledge Letter: Issue: 253 (Subscribe)Tags: humanity (21) | Jeremy Rifkin (3) | knowledge (64) | power (19) | responsibility (49)RSS: Blog … Continue reading Knowledge Is Not Power Knowledge is an expression of the shared responsibilities for the collective well-being of humanity
Gurteen Knowledge Blog September 3, 2022, 16:22When I first started to think about Conversational Leadership, one of the foundational principles I wrote about was the need for us all to take responsibility for the changes we wish to see in the world. But that was six years ago, and I have since read and reflected more … Continue reading Take Responsibility There are several ways in which to take more responsibility for our lives
Introduction The objective is simple: “Better decision-making.” The only issue is that there are so many different views over what we mean by “better.” At the core of all decision-making is the need to balance Power with Responsibility, as the vehicle for resolving the “better” question. This article explores why that is so difficult? It … Continue reading The Issues at the Core of Ethical Decision-making and Leadership Bruce Lloyd (2009)
I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. We need to cultivate a universal responsibility for one another and the planet we share. Credit: Dalai Lama Posts where this quotation … Continue reading We Need to Cultivate a Universal Responsibility for One Another and the Planet We Share Dalai Lama
The power to create a future requires us to choose to be accountable. To be accountable, among other things, means you act as an owner and part creator of whatever it is that you wish to improve. In the absence of this, you are in the position of effect, not cause … a powerless stance. To be accountable … Continue reading Choose to Be Accountable Peter Block
In this book, Confronting Our Freedom, Peter Block and Peter Koestenbaum deliver an exciting and engaging new take on management and leadership. Drawing on recent events in the market and in the world, including the Great Resignation, the COVID-19 pandemic, and widespread digital transformation, the authors invite you to reimagine ideas of freedom and accountability … Continue reading Confronting Our Freedom: Leading a Culture of Chosen Accountability and Belonging by Peter Block, Peter Koestenbaum (2023)
Gurteen Knowledge Blog June 1, 2023, 10:51I like the argument made in this article; A better environment does start with you. In it, the author, Marc Davidson, challenges the notion that governments alone are responsible for solving the climate crisis. He argues against the either/or debate of individual responsibility versus government intervention, stating that it leads … Continue reading Driving Environmental Change Individuals and Government Working Together
Gurteen Knowledge Blog August 6, 2021, 16:50Take responsibility. Find something wrong, find something unjust, find something broken but more than anything else, find something you care about, find something you feel passionate about, something within your sphere of influence, and take responsibility to improve or fix it. Many things in this world are wrong, unjust, broken, … Continue reading Take Some Responsibility We may wait forever for others to do so
Man is condemned to be free. Condemned, because he did not create himself, in other respect is free; because, once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does. The Existentialist does not believe in the power of passion. He will never agree that a sweeping passion is a ravaging torrent which fatally … Continue reading Man Is Condemned to Be Free Jean-Paul Sartre
It is a misuse of our power to take responsibility for solving problems that belong to others. Credit: Peter Block Posts where this quotation is embedded Artificial and Natural Intelligence Exploring the essential difference between natural and artificial forms of intelligence Caring We naturally take responsibility for the people and the things that we care about Changing People … Continue reading Misuse of Our Power Peter Block
On accountability | Peter Block Posts where this video is embedded Artificial and Natural Intelligence Exploring the essential difference between natural and artificial forms of intelligence Caring We naturally take responsibility for the people and the things that we care about Changing People ** The challenge of trying to change people Chatbots as Critical Thinking Partners Stimulating critical thinking … Continue reading Peter Block on Accountability Peter Block
Communityship is a practice where community members take responsibility for that community’s growth and development. They nurture positive relationships between themselves and other members of the community. Furthermore, they help develop positive relationships between other members. Credit: David Gurteen Posts where this quotation is embedded Artificial and Natural Intelligence Exploring the essential difference between natural and … Continue reading What Is Communityship? David Gurteen
Powerful questions are those that, in the answering, evoke a choice for accountability and commitment. Credit: Peter Block Posts where this quotation is embedded Artificial and Natural Intelligence Exploring the essential difference between natural and artificial forms of intelligence Caring We naturally take responsibility for the people and the things that we care about Changing People ** The … Continue reading Powerful Questions Evoke a Choice for Accountability and Commitment Peter Block
Our faith in love and justice calls upon us to build a better world than the one we have found. It calls upon us to give back to the world all the good things we have received, so the less fortunate or most vulnerable members of our society get a chance to achieve a life … Continue reading Our Faith in Love and Justice Calls Upon Us to Build a Better World Andrea Bocelli
Accountabilty is the willingness to acknowledge that we have participated in creating, through comission or ommision, the conditions that we wish to see changed. Without this capacity to see ourselves as cause, our efforts become either coercive or wishfully dependent on the transformation of others. Community will be created the moment we decide to act … Continue reading How Have I Contributed to the Current Reality? Peter Block
We own collective responsibility for the global conditions that we impact and that impact us. We will not make these changes based on authority-based leadership, but rather with each of us taking a leadership role. Credit: Ronald Heifetz Posts where this quotation is embedded Artificial and Natural Intelligence Exploring the essential difference between natural and artificial … Continue reading We Are Collectively Responsible for Global Conditions Ronald Heifetz
Gurteen Knowledge Blog March 7, 2022, 17:02We all care about our own well-being and the well-being of our family. It’s our prime purpose to look after ourselves and our loved ones. Most of us live our whole lives thinking mainly about ourselves, our careers, and our families. We may give to charity, do a little in … Continue reading We Have Two Purposes in Life A personal one and a societal one
Authority vs Responsibility | Seth Godin People: Seth GodinSeth Godin AuthorPosts: Seth GodinExploring the Multifaceted Roles of Trust in Relationships and Society Without trust our civilization would collapseBooks: Seth GodinAuthority Verses Responsibility Seth GodinCare More Seth GodinComplex Problems Aren’t Actually Problems at All Seth GodinCompliance Is Quite Different From Contribution Seth GodinExploring the Multifaceted Roles … Continue reading Authority Verses Responsibility Seth Godin
Your art is the act of taking personal responsibility, challenging the status quo, and changing people. Credit: Seth Godin Source: Seth Godin (2010). “Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?” (p.85, Penguin)Posts where this quotation is embedded Artificial and Natural Intelligence Exploring the essential difference between natural and artificial forms of intelligence Caring We naturally take responsibility for the people … Continue reading Your Art Is the Act of Taking Personal Responsibility Seth Godin
The more people sort themselves out, the more responsibility they will take for the world around them and the more problems they will solve. If we put ourselves in order, perhaps we will do the same for the world. Credit: Jordan Peterson Source: TwitterPosts where this quotation is embedded Artificial and Natural Intelligence Exploring the essential … Continue reading If We Put Ourselves in Order, Perhaps We Will Do the Same for the World Jordan Peterson
Contemplate the possibility that you have something very real to offer the world and that the world itself will be much less than it could be if you fail to bring that forward. Credit: Jordan Peterson Source: Jordan Peterson’s message to Gen Z | ARC Conference 2023Posts where this quotation is embedded Artificial and Natural Intelligence … Continue reading Contemplate the Possibility That You Have Something Very Real to Offer the World Jordan B Peterson
Spectrum Street Epistemology Pay It Forward ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Background The concept of “cognitive surplus” was coined by Clay Shirky in his 2010 book of the same name. Shirky argued that the rise of social media and online collaboration tools would allow us to harness our free time for creative … Continue reading Cognitive Surplus Untapping our human potential
Understanding Teleology Fundamental Questions About Human Life ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Understanding “purpose” is key to exploring questions about life’s meaning or the universe’s purpose. The term encompasses reasons, goals, and intended outcomes of actions or objects. While purpose is often seen as a guiding principle, it’s important to differentiate between … Continue reading The Meaning of Purpose ** Purpose has a nuanced meaning
Why Does Human Life Exist? ** What Is the Purpose of Humanity ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What is the meaning of life from an individual perspective? In other words, what is my or your purpose for being here? There is no single definitive meaning of life that applies to everyone. We … Continue reading What Is the Purpose of Life? ** What is the meaning of an individual human life?
What Is the Purpose of Humanity ** Introduction: Our Evolutionary Journey Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Longtermism is a philosophy focused on doing the most cumulative good possible from a civilization-scale perspective. It argues we should prioritize reducing existential risks and positively shaping humanity’s long-term potential, as the future contains vast potential value. … Continue reading Longtermism Doing the most good possible from a civilization-scale perspective
The Two Pillars of Truth Introduction: Two Pillars of Truth Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter We need to recognize that the pursuit of truth and the application of rigorous critical thinking are not just intellectual exercises but moral and civic responsibilities. Engaging in open dialogue and thoughtful conversations is crucial in this process, … Continue reading Conclusion: Two Pillars of Truth Critical thinking – a civic duty
Spirituality Signal-to-noise Ratio Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Life presents numerous challenges and opportunities. It is crucial to identify areas under our control versus those beyond our influence. The “Circles of Engagement” model guides us in directing efforts where they can create meaningful change. Circle of Concern and a Circle of Influence Stephen … Continue reading Circles of Engagement ** Aligning efforts with impact
Introduction: Community ** What Makes a Real Community? Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Without care, society would be impossible. Caring is at the root of creating a better world. If we care, we take responsibility. If we wish to see a better world emerge, we need to care. Caring We naturally take responsibility … Continue reading Caring We naturally take responsibility for the people and the things that we care about
Knowledge Only Exists in the Mind Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Agency is our ability to make intentional choices and act independently, shaping our lives and identities. The challenge is transitioning from acquiring knowledge to actively using it in the real world. We need to embrace the dynamic … Continue reading From Knowledge to Agency Developing agency in a changing world – cultivating the capacity to act
Introduction: Principles of Conversational Leadership II. Embrace Complexity Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Take responsibility: In life, we can choose to take responsibility in several ways. Most critically, we can choose to take ownership of the changes we wish to see in the world. Introduction Taking responsibility is a crucial aspect of personal … Continue reading I. Take Responsibility We need to take responsibility for the changes we wish to see in the world
Politics Is Life Lashon Hara Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter We often complain that we have no choice, but we all have the freedom to choose if we choose to. How many times have you said or have you heard someone say, “But I’ve got no choice.” We always have a choice, even … Continue reading We All Have the Freedom to Choose If We Choose To The last of human freedoms
Introduction: Motivation and Engagement ** Motivation ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter We often make a commitment to do things that we later give up on, but what is meant by a genuine commitment? To be committed means giving our time and energy to someone or something that we believe in or making … Continue reading Genuine Commitment We are committed when we decide to do something without any expectation of return
Leadership Is a Practice Not a Position of Authority Shared Meaning Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter One of the most significant mistakes we often commit when striving to initiate change is trying to enforce things upon others. We identify problems, create visions, manifestos, strategies, and plans to implement so-called solutions (there are no … Continue reading Ownership, Not Buy-in We need to move from buy-in to ownership
Turn Monologues Into Dialogues Speak with Less Conviction Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Take responsibility for the conversation: A few participants dominate many conversations, and as a result, there is no real engagement or energy in the discussion. How can this be resolved? The solution is for us all to take responsibility for … Continue reading Take Responsibility for the Conversation ** We all need to take responsibility for the quality of our conversations
Reframing Questions Raising the Ships on the Sea Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Trust is the force that holds our society together. It is the glue that connects us, builds communities, and is one of the foundations on which society depends. It is vital for society to function. Our civilization would collapse totally … Continue reading Exploring the Multifaceted Roles of Trust in Relationships and Society Without trust our civilization would collapse
Knowledge Sharing ** We Know So Much but Understand So Little Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Peter Drucker introduced the term “Knowledge Worker” in his book Landmarks of Tomorrow in 1959. But what is a Knowledge Worker? Here is Peter’s answer: And here is a shorter, pithier one that I like from Tom … Continue reading What Is a Knowledge Worker? A knowledge worker is someone whose job entails having really interesting conversations at work
Punished by Rewards We Need to Stop Trying to Do Things to Each Other Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter We use the words responsibility and accountability loosely in everyday language, but what’s the difference? We take responsibility but are held accountable. We can not make someone responsible for something; we can only hold them accountable. … Continue reading The Difference Between Responsibility and Accountability We take responsibility but are held accountable
Knowledge Café History Knowledge Café Applications Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter The outcomes of a Knowledge Café are not tangible outcomes such as decisions, plans, or consensus. The outcomes are what the participants take away in their heads. In its unadapted form, the Knowledge Café is not about traditional tangible outcomes. It is … Continue reading Knowledge Café Outcomes The outcomes are what you take away in your head
