Are We Richer or Lonelier?
Article by Phil Lee – Kuta 27/06/06
Of the many hundreds of emails that I receive there
are very few that I refer too perhaps it’s the overload of information or that most are simply a waste of time, but
one caught my eye and it prompted me to write this piece.
I was talking to my pal Lester Silvert from Elanesse Training Solutions today. In passing he mentioned that a good number of his friends and
customers have very few within their “inner circle” – that is people that they can truly confide in –
especially when it comes to business. How ironic that almost within an hour of
our chat – an email arrives in my inbox, it said:
According to a study carried
out in the USA one-fourth of Americans say they have no one with whom they can discuss personal
issues. "That is almost triple the number who said the same thing in 1985. How many people would you say are in your closest
circle of confidants? The national average, now, is two," Al writes.
How many do you have?
– But wait! – Read more before you answer
Here's what I wonder: Are social ties really fraying?
Or are they just shifting, and reweaving themselves in a different pattern?
We are living in interesting
times, in which the very definition of "social circle" is shifting, expanding, and growing. Our "friends" don't fit the typical
mold of bowling pals, maybe. But they are friends nevertheless, and it feels shortsighted to suggest that the social fabric
of America (or the world) is fraying,
when it seems, as Mike suggests, to be doing quite the opposite. "With my blog I'm not stuck anywhere."
University of Toronto sociologist Barry Wellman said people's overall ties are actually growing, compared
with previous decades, thanks in part to the Internet. Wellman has calculated that the average person today has about 250
ties with friends and relatives.
"I don't see this as the end
of the world but part of a larger puzzle," Wellman said. "My guess is people only have so much energy, and right now they
are switching around a number of networks.... We are getting a division of labor in relationships. Some people give emotional
aid, some people give financial aid."
Wellman's interpretation feels more reasonable to me. But what do you think?
Is your world a richer place? A lonelier place? Or a combination of the two?
How about this –
who do you confide in?
Spiritually
Financially
Fitness and health
Career
Self mastery
How often? Do you feel your batteries are fully
charged after you spend time with your confident?
Kuta groups aim to help you improve your life – through “thinking” skills –
goal or life planning within a supportive environment – with like minded people – people that you want to share
your plans with and help them with theirs – this means you can challenge the global perception that personal networks
are shrinking and GROW yours – with people that inspire – start today,
think of someone that can provide you with inspiration in any of the areas mentioned above or even those that are not –
and arrange a meeting – inspiration, action and achievement will follow! Go for it!
Have a great day. Phil Lee
