Currents

If you're a big dinosaur, the flow of wind and water is not so important because your size demands a lot of effort to propel you. Birds survive by how the wind blows because they are small enough to be carried far and wide by it.

Life is often a choice between size and mobility. Big establishments and those whose position rests on them like to protect their status. In society and nature, currents are the instruments of change that even the most solid structure yield to over time. The grand canyon was carved out by the flow of water. Social change comes by currents in thought and behavior.

Watching what is happening in Hong Kong's protests is a lesson in the contrasts of the establishment and currents, as the big strong institutions that exist are challenged by new currents. Those who live on the stability of the size and tradition feel threatened by the opinion and action that is flowing. It is easy for might to trump thought.

Before the internet and devices, movements centered on obvious display of showmanship and broadcast media. They still help, but the current itself that is flowing underneath the actions are also more visible now on social media.

Conviction and organisation shared online has reduced the need for expensive shows and elaborate productions. Spontaneity and resourcefulness using connection tools is proving elusive for the authorities and those who hide behind them.

I think the display of strength, shouting, attacks and divisions are all distractions. Analysts and opinions often focus just on such noise thinking they are reflect what is going on in hearts and minds.

Since the world is shaped by currents, I prefer to fly with them rather than rest on the structures they make. This connected world makes the currents much more transparent. There is little excuse to ignore them even if you don't agree. The wise will make use of obvious flow of thought and feelings that is right there on our screens.