For some reasons, the words “live for the benefit of others” have come to my mind for quite some time. It is like sitting there waiting for me to chew and digest.

At first, I would argue that it might be too philosophical. It might be too unrealistic for someone (like me) that is still finding joy in all the materialistic gadgets of the world. But, I must admit that the more I think about it, I find it makes great sense regardless one is living “in the world” or “out of the world”, if you know what I mean. And, that is the reason why I wait till now to share this with you.

It all starts with a point of view. By paying attention to others’ interests first, I would take the position to serve, rather than being served. I would choose to do things that “add value” to others. It aligns with the notion than ‘giving is always better than receiving”.

There have been great examples of this paradigm. For one, Jesus has been the greatest giver of all. His whole purpose to this world is to serve others. The like of Mother Teresa, Gandhi, Dale Carnegie are other fine examples of “living for the benefit of others”. (p.s. you might think of other good examples too. If you do, please write back as we can never have enough of an inspiration.)

By following this paradigm, I have found a new motivation and guidance in doing things that I could have left out. For instance, I have joined the volunteer work to do “meals on wheels” in the community, and possibly some medical transports down the track. There is nothing to boast about, really. But for me, they are important first steps. Where it would lead me to, only God will know. As for the present, I am happier because it adds a little bit extra to my purpose in life.

Live Life, Junius.

This is arguably one of the big things happening in the internet world this year.  Google Wave is Google’s new creation and will be officially released in a matter of months from now.

It is a real-time communication platform that virtually embraces all forms of internet communication today, whether it be email, web chat, instant messaging, social networking, or project management etc.  It is a convergence spot.  It is mind-blowing.  I am sure a lot of the internet elites out there are already working on how to monetize this new medium.

I have done some research on the subject.  In case you want to do something similar, a good starting point would be this video I have here for you.  You wouldn’t like to miss out anything in this 1 hour 20 min presentation.

Further research?  Check out:
The official Google Blog — http://googleblog.blogspot.com; and
The website Mashable by Ben Parr: http://mashable.com/2009/05/28/google-wave-guide/

Love Life,
Junius
p.s. Like many things, the internet is never an equal playing field.  Knowledge and wisdom will always have an unfair advantage.

This week is Australia’s NSW Seniors Week.  Now into its 50th year, it celebrates the valuable contribution seniors make to the community. The motto this year is “Live Life.”  What a co-incidence.

I have taken a lazy approach this time to browse the net and collect quotes from wherever on the subject of “live life”. I hope it could add some extra spices into someone’s definition about life.

There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything is a miracle.  – Albert Einstein.

To live life well is to take positive steps to maximize your chances of living an illness free life.  – www.livelifewell.nsw.gov.au

Live life fully while you’re here.  Experience everything.  Take care of yourself and your friends.  Have fun, be crazy, be weird.  Go out and screw up!  You’re going to anyway, so you might as well enjoy the process.  Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: find the cause of your problem and eliminate it.  Don’t try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human.  – Anthony Robbins

Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.  – Buddha

Nobody gets to live life backward.  Look ahead, that is where your future lies.  – Ann Landers

Live as if you were to die tomorrow.  Learn as if you were to live forever. – Gandhiji

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.  – Winston Churchill.

And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count.  It’s the life in your years.  – Abraham Lincoln.

Live Life, Junius.
p.s. further information, visit www.nswseniorsweek.com.au

Picture: from Reuters and The Australian

Since September last year, “global financial crisis” have become the operative words of our days.  Hardly a day comes by without hearing something about these three words.  Just two days ago, I come across the acronym version, “GFC”, from the television.  Perhaps it could make us feel less threatened, or distressed by the sound of it.

Governments have not been slow in rendering rescue plans.  The like of bailout or stimulus packages are all targeted to encourage consumption, retain jobs, and hopefully create enough fuel to keep the economies running above the recession line.  Though some allocations might be debatable, their spirit is commendable.

If anything, I would like to see more in the area of restoring confidence, trust, and hope.
More than ever, it is time to revisit these traditional values that underlie a healthy business environment.

The global financial crisis is also a confidence crisis.  It is a financial tsunami because it was fuelled by excessive borrowing, excessive leverage, complicated forms of derivatives, a gambling mentality, and an over-heated property market, among other things.  Leverage is good, but excess leverage is disastrous. Risk management has been thrown out of the window.  Just a few days ago, I learnt from a TV interview that some banks actually were able to lend sixty (60) times more than its money reserve.  No wonder when the tides turned, it could hurt so badly.

Put confidence and trust back into the system
Confidence and trust are the cornerstones of any relationship, and business is no exception.  When consumer confidence (and indeed, business confidence) and trust are at stake, surely the restoration of these elements should be placed amongst the highest priorities.

Everyday, there are no shortage of news and announcements telling everyone that the worse has yet to come.  What if, someone can tell us that, despite the uncertainty, enough parameters have been set in place to stop all those “funny, irresponsible deals” at the far end? In other words, we are not allowing further damaging factors to the system.  Would it be a comforting message to hear? Would it shed a light of hope that we badly need?

Needless to say, that someone would aptly be the government.  Any such assurance or re-assurance is definitely welcoming. I bet it would be cost effective too.

Putting integrity in place
On the same token, if there is something that the government could do to expose or  eliminate ponzi schemes, the like of Bernard Madoff’s and Allen Stanford’s, how far-reaching can it be to boost morale and confidence level of its communities?

Not talking down the economy
Whilst it is important to build confidence and trust and hope, it is equally important not to spread the seed of fear.  It is a particular trying time for the media, let alone the government, to inform but not to over-exaggerate.

Reform the system, and cut out red-tapes
Bad times can also be good times in the sense that it offers a great opportunity to reflect and reshape for a better future.  There is a lot of scope for a responsible, and proactive government.

Let transparency flow through the system
Transparency casts away doubt and helps building confidence and credibility.

Enhance collaboration across countries and governments
Global problem needs global solution.  It is a time that collaboration among governments would be most needed.  It is the synergy effect.  If anything works, it would work better in a collaborated fashion.

Lead with vision
We like leaders with vision, more so in extreme times.  We hope that our leaders would look beyond the financial hole and work together towards a new order of world peace,  harmony, and prosperity.

A time to transform
Last but not the least, let’s not be too distressful, but be hopeful and thankful that we are part of an era of enlightenment, meeting new challenges, and overcoming obstacles, and coming out stronger and better overall.

Live Life, Junius.