- Home
- Inspiration
- Knowing the Unknown
Knowing the Unknown
- By Jim Stovall
- Published 10/13/2009
- Inspiration
-
Rating:
Jim Stovall
Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK 74145-9082, or by e-mail at Jim@JimStovall.com
View all articles by Jim Stovall
Humanity, itself, creates an ongoing set of problems that are inevitably followed by solutions. These solutions create a new and ever-expanding set of problems.
In the past, we were faced with the problem of finding reliable and rapid transportation. This problem was solved by the automobile, which then created the problem of pollution, traffic congestion, and accidents. Solutions for each of these problems are being sought and will eventually be found. Those solutions will create more problems.
Some pessimistic individuals might look at this ongoing cycle of problems as a negative condition. This is simply because pessimistic individuals have not learned the inevitable truth that all opportunities come disguised as problems.
As a blind person myself, I struggled to deal with the lack of access to the information, education, and entertainment that is provided by movies and television. This problem created a sense of urgency in me that was the beginning of my company, the Narrative Television Network, which provides hundreds of hours of accessible TV and movie programming to the 13 million blind and visually impaired Americans, and millions more around the world.
Frustration arises when we try to deal with existing problems through existing knowledge. The problem exists because we don’t know the solution. It doesn’t mean there is not a solution. It simply means we have yet to discover it.
Carl Sagan said, “Somewhere something incredible is waiting to be known.” This knowledge that Sagan speaks of represents the solution to many problems that will, in turn, create new problems which will result in more opportunity and even more knowledge.
There are a myriad of current problems facing the world, including an energy crisis, climate change, world hunger, and many others. These will be solved in time. Some might ask how I can emphatically state that the most difficult problems of our age will be solved. It is quite simple. There is knowledge waiting to be known. Once it is known, these problems will be eliminated and new ones will emerge.
Everyone is looking for a great idea and a great opportunity. The only thing you need to do in order to have a great idea is to go through your daily routine and wait for something bad to happen. Then ask yourself, “How could I have avoided that problem?” The answer to that question is a great idea. The only thing you need to do to find a great opportunity is ask yourself, “How could I help other people avoid that same problem?” The answer to that question is a great opportunity. When viewed through this new perspective, problems become welcomed challenges.
As you go through your day today, welcome opportunities disguised as problems, and seek the knowledge that is waiting to be known.
Today’s the day!
In the past, we were faced with the problem of finding reliable and rapid transportation. This problem was solved by the automobile, which then created the problem of pollution, traffic congestion, and accidents. Solutions for each of these problems are being sought and will eventually be found. Those solutions will create more problems.
Some pessimistic individuals might look at this ongoing cycle of problems as a negative condition. This is simply because pessimistic individuals have not learned the inevitable truth that all opportunities come disguised as problems.
As a blind person myself, I struggled to deal with the lack of access to the information, education, and entertainment that is provided by movies and television. This problem created a sense of urgency in me that was the beginning of my company, the Narrative Television Network, which provides hundreds of hours of accessible TV and movie programming to the 13 million blind and visually impaired Americans, and millions more around the world.
Frustration arises when we try to deal with existing problems through existing knowledge. The problem exists because we don’t know the solution. It doesn’t mean there is not a solution. It simply means we have yet to discover it.
Carl Sagan said, “Somewhere something incredible is waiting to be known.” This knowledge that Sagan speaks of represents the solution to many problems that will, in turn, create new problems which will result in more opportunity and even more knowledge.
There are a myriad of current problems facing the world, including an energy crisis, climate change, world hunger, and many others. These will be solved in time. Some might ask how I can emphatically state that the most difficult problems of our age will be solved. It is quite simple. There is knowledge waiting to be known. Once it is known, these problems will be eliminated and new ones will emerge.
Everyone is looking for a great idea and a great opportunity. The only thing you need to do in order to have a great idea is to go through your daily routine and wait for something bad to happen. Then ask yourself, “How could I have avoided that problem?” The answer to that question is a great idea. The only thing you need to do to find a great opportunity is ask yourself, “How could I help other people avoid that same problem?” The answer to that question is a great opportunity. When viewed through this new perspective, problems become welcomed challenges.
As you go through your day today, welcome opportunities disguised as problems, and seek the knowledge that is waiting to be known.
Today’s the day!