“When we fully understand the brevity of life, its fleeting joys and unavoidable pains; when we accept the facts that all men and women are approaching an inevitable doom: the consciousness of it should make us more kindly and considerate of each other. This feeling should make men and women use their best efforts to help their fellow travelers on the road, to make the path brighter and easier as we journey on. It should bring a closer kinship, a better understanding, and a deeper sympathy for the wayfarers who must live a common life and die a common death.”
— Clarence Darrow (The Essential Words and Writings of Clarence Darrow)
Just something I found meaningful recently, while thinking about my first few months at a new job. We were getting ready to do a team shuffle, something the company does regularly. I’m not sure if shuffling teams really builds camaraderie, except in the sense that we extend our personal networks over the entire floor, rather than becoming insular as groups. Maybe that’s the point? Either way, it’s an opportunity to meet new people and hey, I have a window seat now. Granted, I’m looking back into the concrete canyons of the financial district, but at least there’s fresh air and no one on my left. It’s quiet, too. Hopefully my new team is just as great as the last.
Bradley Farless 