Could Time Be the Key to a Brighter Future?

Could Time Be the Key to a Brighter Future?

We aren't all Sonic the Hedgehog, dashing through life at breakneck speed. Instead, there's something to be said for hitting the pause button, adopting a more patient approach, and embracing what we might call "cathedral thinking."

Cathedral thinking is a concept that encourages us to view our ambitions and goals on a grand timescale, akin to the construction of a cathedral.

For instance, it took nearly three centuries to build the magnificent Cologne Cathedral in Germany.

Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Germany

Renowned architect Antoni Gaudí's, unfinished Roman Catholic Basillica, Sagrada Família, was started in 1882, it's ongoing construction has become an enduring symbol of Barcelona, its completion is projected for the early 2030's.

Sagrada Família, Barcelona

Such an enduring project's teaches us that great things can be achieved when we aren't in a rush.

Consider the Zeitpyramide ('time pyramid') a work of under construction in Wemding, Germany. The pyramid was begun in 1993 – the 1,200-year anniversary of the town. It will take another 1,160 years to complete and is scheduled to be finished in the year 3183! The structure is intended to consist of 120 blocks when complete, with a new block added every ten years, a pace that seems glacial by today's standards. At 15:06 on 9 September 2023, the fourth block was installed, making the project 3.3% complete.

The result is a symbol of patience, commitment, and the belief that what's worth building is worth taking your time over.

Another example of this cathedral thinking in modern times is Jeff Bezos's ambitious project in the Texan desert. Bezos is working on the "Clock of Long Now" designed to last 10,000 years. This colossal endeavour is a poignant reminder that some of the most remarkable achievements take generations to complete.

The clock is designed to tick once a year, with a century hand that moves once every 100 years and a cuckoo that emerges every millennium!

It's a testament to long term thinking!

But not all slow projects have to be colossal in scale.

The "poem being written on the streets of Utrecht" is a unique and ongoing public art project known as the "Utrecht Poem." It is a creative and literary endeavour that has captured the imagination of residents and visitors alike in the Dutch city of Utrecht.

The project is a perfect example of paced and deliberate artistic expression, with one letter being added to the poem each week.

Here are some key details about the Utrecht Poem:

  1. Concept: The Utrecht Poem is an urban art project that aims to transform the streets of Utrecht into a canvas for poetry. It takes a novel approach to storytelling and engagement by gradually revealing a poem one letter at a time.
  2. Stone Mason's Craftsmanship: The project is the brainchild of a skilled stone mason who carves individual letters into the pavement's stones. This process is carried out with precision and care, making each letter a work of art in itself.
  3. Slow Progress: The poem evolves slowly over time, and residents and passersby can witness its gradual development.
  4. Interactivity: The Utrecht Poem is interactive in nature. People who frequent the streets where the poem is being created can engage with it on a regular basis. As new letters are added, the poem grows, and the story unfolds.
  5. Sense of Wonder: The project generates a sense of wonder and curiosity among those who encounter it. People often stop to read the poem, speculate about its meaning, and anticipate the next letter's arrival, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
  6. Community Engagement: The Utrecht Poem serves as a point of connection and conversation within the community. It brings people together, encouraging them to appreciate art and literature in unexpected places.
  7. Meaningful Art: The choice to create a poem in this slow, deliberate manner highlights the value of patient and considered craftsmanship. It stands in contrast to the fast-paced, disposable nature of much contemporary culture.
  8. Symbolism: While the specific content of the poem may vary, the project itself symbolises the idea that art, culture, and creativity can thrive even in the most mundane or unexpected places, given the time and dedication to nurture them.

This poetic project in Utrecht illustrates a pace of creation, that is sustainable and full of meaning. It underscores the importance of knowing the first line of your "poem," the foundational vision of your business or project. Once that is established, the slow addition of "well-thought-out rocks" becomes a journey that's both fulfilling and sustainable.

So, why should we consider the long view in our Sonic-paced world?

  1. Sustainability: Fast-paced endeavours often come at the cost of burnout, resource depletion, and negative impacts.Slowing down and taking the time to consider the long-term consequences of our actions can lead to more sustainable solutions.
  2. Quality over Quantity: In a race against time, we often sacrifice quality for speed. By taking the longer view, we can prioritise quality and craftsmanship, ensuring that what we create stands the test of time.
  3. Legacy: Building something that lasts for generations can be one of the most fulfilling and meaningful accomplishments in life. The long view allows us to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, and is often the motivation for many creative thinkers, authors and artists.
  4. Personal Growth: Patience and perseverance are valuable qualities that can be developed by adopting a long-term perspective. The journey itself becomes a source of growth and self-discovery.

In conclusion, while the world around us may be moving at a rapid pace, it's essential to remember that not everything worth doing can or should be rushed.

Embracing cathedral thinking and taking the long view can lead to more meaningful, and enduring achievements.

Whether your business vision is the size of cathedral, or more like poem expressing your message to a community remember that sometimes, the key to a brighter future lies in slowing down and savouring the journey.

Final Thoughts

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