A Letter to the Delegates

A Letter to the Delegates of Solution 2006
A unique platform for positive change, hosted by AIESEC and the Two Wings Foundation, which I am most excited to be chairing in the beginning of February in Vienna.

"Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe."- H.G. Wells

The struggle of human progress- in both politics and philosophy- is the unravelling of two fundamental paradoxes within our collective and individual humanity. The first is found in the ascent of human civilization. Over the last ten-thousand years we have learned through experience, reacting to the lessons of failure. This is how we have developed democracy and separation of powers, the fundamental rights of man and state, restricted use of nuclear weapons and complete environmental destruction. Although we have learned slowly, often tragically so, we have indeed learned and the potential for a human born in the 21st Century to experience, create, generate and protect is far greater than every before. However, in the approaching ecological/geological collapse we face a challenge that our time-tested reactive approach cannot solve. Simply put, if we do not learn before the fall, than we will learn because of it. There will be massive consequences for the cultural and technological achievements of humanity, yet it is these same achievements that give us, for the first time in our long history, a chance to learn proactively and change our fate. This is the first paradox I would like to explore with you in the rare thinking space provided by Solution 2007.

"What is education? I should suppose that education was the curriculum one had to run through in order to catch up with oneself, and he who will not pass through this curriculum is helped very little by the fact that he was born in the most enlightened age."
- Søren Kierkegaard, "Fear and Trembling".

Two questions underlie all schools of philosophy, psychology and spiritual development; what is? And, what should I do? This search for the self, for meaning and comprehension of reality has been critical to the development of political, intellectual, artistic and spiritual leadership throughout history. By looking to both the sciences and wisdom traditions we can gain clarity on this leadership path- but also explore the deepening paradox between self and selflessness, individuality and interconnection, experience and reality, that lines the way. The learning journey of leadership is challenging and personal, yet it holds the key to unlocking our potential for unique self-expression and the fundamental global changes necessary for the continued progress of our civilization. In the platform of Solution 2007 I hope you discover the map of your own leadership path, and by the end of our time together you find yourself already well upon your way.

peace

Arthur Josephson

Chair, Solution 2007
Leadership Development Consultant, ABN AMRO
Director, AIESEC International 04-05
arthursblog@gmail.com
arthur.nomadlife.org