Albert Einstein and the Chinese on the meaning of "Crisis"

None of us want to hear we are responsible for what is happening to the economy, our jobs, our homes, income, security, relationships etc. It is much easier to blame it on someone else, the government, the republicans, the democrats, the greedy executives, the ex husband or wife, the liars, etc. After all is said and done, we are still responsible for ourselves because no one can really save us from the vicissitudes of life. We can however control our response to what is happening around us and that's why I found what Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds of all times said, very interesting.


"Let's not pretend that things will change if we keep doing the same things. A crisis can be a real blessing to any person, to any nation. For all crises bring progress.Creativity is born from anguish, just like the day is born form the dark night. It's in crisis that inventive is born, as well as discoveries, and big strategies. Who overcomes crisis, overcomes himself, without getting overcome. Who blames his failure to a crisis neglects his own talent, and is more respectful to problems than to solutions. Incompetence is the true crisis.The greatest inconvenience of people and nations is the laziness with which they attempt to find the solutions to their problems. There's no challenge without a crisis. Without challenges, life becomes a routine, a slow agony. There’s no merit without crisis. It's in the crisis where we can show the very best in us. Without a crisis, any wind becomes a tender touch. To speak about a crisis is to promote it. Not to speak about it is to exalt conformism. Let us work hard instead.Let us stop, once and for all, the menacing crisis that represents the tragedy of not being willing to overcome it."


So basically what we need to find is the blessings in disguise, the blessings in the crisis. We are supposed to learn from them. Ask ourselves where is the lesson. Here is what the Chinese say about crisis.

Not everyone agrees this is what the Chinese really meant but the word "crisis" in some Chinese circles means "danger" and "opportunity."

Let's face it, what we are facing seems dangerous but in my circles we say when one door closes, another one opens. Let me share an example. When I lost my job years ago, this is the opportunity that opened up for me.

1. I got time to network and meet new people.
2. I had time to work out and get back in shape.
3. I learned to be frugal with my money because I was running out of it.
4. I got creative on how to socialize: Pic nic's and cooking my own food instead of going out to eat.
5. I had more time to spend with friends and family.
6. I realized this can happen to anyone and became more understanding and compassionate.
7. I had to move in with my parents and had more quality time with them than I ever had. I was
older and more mature, therefore more open to them.

Last but not least. I always say the Cubans are some of the most creative people on the planet. Why is that? Under the Communist system, Cubans have lacked basic things. They have thus learned to fix things with what they have, to think out of the box, to plant their own gardens etc. They have had to be tremendously creative to survive. They have lived in crisis for a long time, and I think when they finally open up their system, they will quickly thrive. Again, I ask the question what can we learn from all of this? How do we Live Smart? How will this crisis enhance our creativity and innovation?