Once upon a time

We dreamed big dreams. In the words of a good man taken from us far too early, we chose to do great things not because they were easy, but because they were hard. We asked each other to think not of ourselves, but of how we could make the world a better place.

Now we ask if you’d like fries with that.

Today, a believer in a big dream passed from this world. One of a dozen of people of people ever to visit another planet and walk on its surface. His actions brought the world together, and showed us all that something better was possible, if you wanted it enough to try.

Of late, I’ve become a devotee of Kickstarter. Not because I have too much money, not because I want things, but because people are dreaming big dreams. Authors are covering the costs of publishing their own works. Companies with decades of success in their industry are exploring alternative sources of funding for special, customer-friendly products. Inventors are bringing the future to your home, once project at a time.

People are giving a little, to give a lot.

Once upon a time in America, this happened on the community level near-constantly. If you had extra, you shared it. If you needed help, people would lend a hand. Building a barn, donating unneeded items, supporting those who were in need because it needed to be done.

Hillel the Elder once asked the world to consider the following. “If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” These words have been quoted, paraphrased, and repackaged many times in the last two thousand years. I’ve yet to hear anyone tell me he was wrong.

Don’t settle for less than yourself. Don’t believe someone when they say you cannot accomplish your goals. Show them you’re willing to try, and thank them when they lend a hand to prove you both right.

Remember the past, and think about the future.

And Dream big Dreams.