I see the world as a giant computer. Perhaps you see the world as a flower, a poem, an equation or colours. I see a computer… really (sorry being such a straight forward IT nerd).
How is the world a computer designed? Basically with several layers: the peripherals, the hardware layer, the operative system layer, the interface layer, the application layer, etc..
When I have a computer problem, first I try to locate the layer where the problem happens. Any user might think his computer is infected by a virus because it keeps shutting down every minute when the user is in fact just shutting down the power strip with his foot (true story… ). Conclusion: the problem is not in front of your eyes on the interface layer, it’s on hardware layer.
Same thing when I can’t do what I want with the ‘modern’ user interface of computer (i.e. windows and dialog boxes) I switch to the terminal (only text commands – one layer under). When the command does not exist I create a software. Working on the lowest layer possible is the best way. The above layers will follow because their foundations are on the layer I am working on.
I believe you can apply this to many other domains. Usually the solution to a problem is obvious and easy. The real matter is changing your layer of perception. It’s tough. You have to see the problem (and the world) a bit differently.
I went to a concert last week. When the show was over everybody walked towards the exits. I looked at how people behaved. Some were looking at their feet, looking in front of them, looking at the ceiling or looking behind them. (hint: the best strategy when you want to walk though crowd is not to look at the crowd but look where you want to go… I don’t know why but it creates some sort of energy beam and the crowd will let you go through. Trust me I practiced this in so many concerts and festivals). Obviously people don’t appreciate the world the same way (and that’s great). They are probably not looking at the same layers either.
As a network administrator I got the ability to see the company’s microcosm from another layer, from the network layer exactly. I believe every network administrator is called a guru at some point because of this ability. The relationship between the users of a network and the system administrator are not based on network security or authentication. You have access to everybody’s everything (the flow of their files, their passwords, etc..). Is is based on trust (and a confidentiality agreement too). Different layers of perspective involve different relationship transactions.
How can you be a system administrator of the real world?
Answer: See it from another layer.
How can you interpret what is going on in the world?
Answer: See it from another layer.
Most of the people are stuck on the surface. They accept the world as media told them to.
When politics and media are contented by Qaddafi’s death and I remember how he was received like a king (wtf!?) on his last visit in France 4 years ago. I wonder if we should not scratch the surface and see from the underlying layer.
This is just one example, I could give you others. I am sure you can imagine some. You are probably be as much a “guru” in your area of expertise as I am in network administration. You know what? You should teach the world to see from your layer. As much as I think people should get a little more technical from an IT point of view, you probably think people should read more, do more sports or {yep insert your specialty here}.
Do you want to change the world? Start by scratching to the layer below. That’s what the guys from “Occupy everywhere” do. I believe that’s a good start. Continue scratching until you get to the layer where the real problem is. This is where you have to do the work. (<– don’t forget about doing the work though).
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Have a great day, find your layer today and tell me about it.
Cheers,
Manu
