Wisdom Minute: wisdom

A 304 pages book by Jonathan Story
Financial Times Prentice Hall - 2003

China is at a critical turning point and could go in any of several directions. The direction China goes will depend on complex political and economic uncertainties. It can become a great power, it can disintegrate or it can hover between the two alternatives.
To become rich, China depends on a world order that, in turn, depends on the United States. The world’s move to market democracy may be unstoppable. On the other hand, the world may be headed for revolution and warfare.
China’s leadership is in a precarious situation, justifying legitimacy on Marxist principles but rejecting Marxism in practice. Chinese Communist leadership resembles Britain’s Tories — cautious, skeptical, conservative and protective of their own privileges.
China has many voices and competing power centers. It is not a “unitary actor.”China’s population fears uncertainty and chaos more than it fears tyranny.

A 304 page book by Michael Heller
Perseus Books - 2008

A “commons” is a resource that everyone shares. The “tragedy of the commons” happens when too many people use a common resource, thereby destroying it.
Societies often try to avert the tragedy of the commons by creating private ownership – “anticommons.”
A private owner of an anticommons may block the public from using it.
The underuse of a resource limits its benefit to society as much as its overuse does. Anticommons harm society by stifling innovation and creativity.
Learning to see the hidden costs of underuse is a key step in fixing gridlock. Lawmakers can end a black market by removing the reasons for its existence. Informal organizations can protect commons by imposing their own rules on users. Voluntary cooperation and philanthropy can solve some gridlock problems.

Authentic leadership depends on your “internal compass.” This is your "True North." It guides you toward who and what you are.
The true leader inspires others to strive for success to achieve a shared purpose.
You cannot become a great leader if you cannot lead yourself.
True north inevitably directs you to your clear purpose in life – what you can contribute and how others will remember you.
Great leaders do not operate in a vacuum. No leader ever achieved success alone.
You will make your greatest contributions when you are enthusiastic about your work.
Your true north is based on your values and deepest convictions.
There are no "born" leaders or "instant" leaders. Leadership is not a state of being. It is a journey