The Iconoclast

The word iconoclast has definitions that include aspects of attacking established beliefs or institutions. It contains references to a person who sees the world differently, has a specific view and perspective that differs from the majority. They are often people who are instigators of change, at the cutting edge and considered as significant influencers.

Pick someone who has stood up, stated beliefs that have incited shock or even horror and attempted to change the status quo or establishment. This would likely be an example of an iconoclast. Maybe at sometime in our lives we all exhibit such behaviours in one way or another. The true meaning of the word though, I am sure, is in the committed and sustained actions of someone who truly believes in what they are doing. In someone who is established through deep thought, contemplation or study in values that they have to act out.

I am sure we can all bring to mind individuals who fit into this category. History is suggestive that such people are primarily responsible for the paradigm shifts that move societies through from one evolutionary plateau to the next. Talking of evolution, Charles Darwin, the promulgator of the theory of evolution, like many examples of such people, faced seriously radical opposition to his theory, as it undermined the belief systems of the time and had serious consequences for the power bases that existed. It is said that nothing is as powerful as an idea who’s time has come. We may also add then that nothing is as powerful, at least for a time, as a person who’s time has come. It appears that such things come to have a life of their own, almost like the viral posts that sweep the world wide web.

Religious martyrs fit very well into the definition as do the leaders of political change. Nelson Mandela is a prime example. If you read his autobiography ‘Long Walk To Freedom’ you may get a sense of what it takes to endure the consequences of being true to your beliefs. I perhaps ought to re phrase the above as: read ‘Long Walk To Freedom’, emphasising the word ‘long’ and highlighting the word ‘sense’. You should read it. It is life changing. The word ‘long’? Well twenty seven years on Robben Island, as a start may give you just a ‘sense’ of what his life was about. So enthralled by his story and having the good fortune to have been able to visit Cape Town, I have visited Madiba’s prison three times. It is an experience from start to finish. To view the island from the mainland, be transported on a boat to arrive on the dock, walk in his footsteps around his cell and see the brutal work camp is difficult to put into words.

Let us bring it back and pick an altogether different example. Distance running was transformed by a man called Robert de Castella. The Australian blazed a new trail by focussing training no longer solely on arduous long distances but on shorter high intensity runs. 

Coming back to the world of football, Norwich City under the sporting directorship of Stuart Webber made a decision to embrace a philosophy based on developing homegrown talent at the expense initially of results. They made a decision as to what was most important to them. In a nutshell, not having to to buy success but to develop young ‘homegrown talent’. They are demonstrating their iconoclastic activity and bravery in the path they are forging in football currently. Their current plight may indicate it is not a policy that is working right now. Whatever the view, it worked to get them promoted to The Premier League. You have to be brave to embark on a journey that is going to be fraught with challenges and Norwich made a decision to play the long game. Everything that is worthwhile and has substance, that is going to bear fruit and is sustainable takes time. It requires the trust and support of all and a culture where everybody is on board. Norwich have acknowledged this and are living through the hard yards of the journey. 

So the point is? The point is. It is not easy being iconoclastic. It will take courage, probably buckets of it, needing a regular renewal of faith and many ‘dark nights of the soul’, probably spent wondering if the path really is worth it. 

Many iconoclasts may actually tell you that the urge to keep on was so strong that it was something they were compelled to do, their belief and immersion in the whole process was total. Changing direction or giving up was not a viable option. Such statements may underline what the ‘magic’ ingredient is to success. It is as if the universe holds it all back until a certain point is reached, the point where it realises it is dealing with one of its own. It has met its match. It cannot beat itself. The test has been passed. The way is made clear. 

So are you ready to make the decision? The answer isn’t “yes”, it’s “It is done”. I’m pretty sure only that will do.

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