So the other day my English teacher told our class that we were going to start a project. While you usually think of an English project as something painful, this was substantially different. He told us that together as a class, we would be creating steps that anyone could use to carry an idea from its genesis to it's full realization, which would be called Idea Farming.
In thinking about this whole concept of Idea Farming, I came to see the process as a journey. But not any ordinary journey. More specifically, Rapunzel's journey in the Disney movie, Tangled.
In thinking about this whole concept of Idea Farming, I came to see the process as a journey. But not any ordinary journey. More specifically, Rapunzel's journey in the Disney movie, Tangled.
Rapunzel has been locked up in a tower for nearly 18 years, and really wants to be go see the outside world, but more specifically, these glowing lights that always appear on her birthday. Unfortunately, her so-called "Mother" Gothel prevents her from going outside the tower, claiming the outside world is to dangerous.
You can see the resemblance.
In a similar way, our society is much like the tower that Rapunzel is trapped in. Whenever we wish to do something new, or explore an idea that hasn't been followed before, we are often told by society's "Mother Gothel"s that it is too dangerous and we should just stick with what has been established and "safe". Or, as Mother Gothel says, "Skip the drama, stay with Mama!"
Of course the problem with sticking with what is safe is that we find that our life becomes dull, and repetitive, and as human beings, we are naturally drawn to exploring new things and ideas. We want to begin our lives, as Rapunzel does in her song, "When Will My Life Begin?"
Lucky for us, help can come unexpectedly and turn even the most far-fetched of ideas into a reality.
Of course the problem with sticking with what is safe is that we find that our life becomes dull, and repetitive, and as human beings, we are naturally drawn to exploring new things and ideas. We want to begin our lives, as Rapunzel does in her song, "When Will My Life Begin?"
Lucky for us, help can come unexpectedly and turn even the most far-fetched of ideas into a reality.
Now if only everyone's help could look like this
Flynn Rider, unexpectedly makes his way to Rapunzel's tower and persuades her to leave her tower to go see the lights. Now of course, our help isn't always a person. Oftentimes it is a specific situation which creates the opportunity for an idea to grow. Other times, it just the right inspiration from the right source which gives us the drive to start doing.
Now to make a beautiful Disney movie short, although you should definitely see the movie anyway, things turn out well for Rapunzel. She gets to see the glowing lights, but even more so, she realizes her true identity and even gets a very attractive husband out of the deal.
Now to make a beautiful Disney movie short, although you should definitely see the movie anyway, things turn out well for Rapunzel. She gets to see the glowing lights, but even more so, she realizes her true identity and even gets a very attractive husband out of the deal.
Easily the best scene of the movie.
Rapunzel was able to realize her dream and even more because of one unexpected event which propelled her from a desire to action. In relation to the concept of Idea Farming mentioned in the beginning, the most important portion of the journey from the seed of an idea to the whole farm could be catalyst in some shape or form that causes the first action in turning an idea to reality. Of course, just as important is being open to the existence of a catalyst. After all, a catalyst certainly worked well in Rapunzel's case.
And they lived happily ever after.
-Kevin