Message of the Day - The Dangers of Entitlement

Good Morning,

 

In our local paper, an Artist panned a local Museum which invited art submissions from both professionals as well as amateurs. Then, these pieces of art are to be sold at a low price, commemorating the year the museum opened. This artist did not want the art of amateurs to share the same space as their professional work, and at the same time, they did not want their work shared at a low price.

 

I find it harsh that a professional wants to put a fence around their industry and keep those they feel unworthy out. This feeling of entitlement is actually dangerous to their industry. By keeping others out, they close the door on future generations of their own. They keep the amount of interest in the industry down, and reduce the new apprentices, journeymen and masters from joining their ranks.

 

Our culture is built around upstarts who decided to enter the realm of the masters when they were far from it. My uncle loves the word 'Parvenu' which is a person who gets into higher social circles due to their own wealth and ability.

 

What would our world be like if IBM, GE, Westinghouse and their ilk did not allow Microsoft and Apple onto the scene? What if Microsoft did not allow Google? What if Google did not allow Facebook? What if Facebook is allowed to stop the next big thing created in someone's basement (or even their parent's basement).

 

We should be open to others being interested in what we do, both professionally and as a hobby. I say not only hold the door open, but take the door off the hinges and allow those who want to dabble to do just that.

 

We will find a lot of wannabees in our midst, but who is to say that one of those wannabees isn't the next prodigy? We have the opportunity to share our wisdom and experiences with them and help groom our successors.

 

I applaud all organizations and individuals who resist the urge to be elitist and open the door for our future.

 

Enjoy!

 

Sanford Berenberg
Sanford@berenberg.net
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