Thursday, August 14, 2008

Our Renaissance Perspective

The word "renaissance," which means "re-birth" often conjures up images of Florence, Italy, fine paintings, ornate churches, the printing press, new freedoms for people, and prosperity. Florence is considered the cradle of the Renaissance, and the De Medici family were major players in this time period through their patronage of arts and science, financed by their extensive trade and other business activities.

The Renaissance followed roughly 1,000 years of the Middle Ages (400-1400 AD), which are thought to be mostly dark. Mixonian would argue that the Middle Ages were not as bad as people usually think, but it was a time period characterized by an extremely narrow world outlook or perspective. Kind of like parts of the 19th and 20th centuries, when Science (positivism if you want a $10 word) became the new Ultimate Religion. Modern narrow mindedness limits life to what can be scientifically or logically proven, and leaves everything else out. A rather cold outlook.

You may be wondering where this pseudo-historic post is headed, and what on earth can it possibly have to do with your day today.

No one can argue that right now people have more options than ever before in the history, as far as we know. That makes things confusing, it creates doubt and uncertainty about making decisions, but nevertheless, represents enormous potential. That is what Mixonian is about: a holistic, Renaissance-type perspective on life.

This blog is for 21th century neo-Renaissance thinkers and doers. People who live life now, without waiting for Uncle Henry's inheritance to kick in. People who pursue creative projects, from where they are, with their lives as they are currently constructed. People who want rich family lives, generous abundance, cheerful health, extensive artistic expression, and who have the desire to leave the world a better place.

These people may experience fear and doubt, but they feel it and act anyway. If you're reading this, you probably identify with this generative (i.e. creative) philosophy.

Continue to be bold, to step out and cross over departmental boundaries. Instead of thinking "either/or", maybe the choice can be "both/and."