I was talking to a friend the other night about history- I had finally made it over to the Adams House tour here in Quincy. He’s been as well, and we both loved it. That got us to talking about the Revolution, and other times of change, innovation, and upheaval. I said that I think we’re in one of those times now, and that we would do well to study and learn from some of the periods in our history that are similar, specifically- the American Revolutionary period, and the Old West.

In the course of our conversation, my friend said he just doesn’t feel like the changes that are happening now are as big a deal as all that, that this isn’t as life-altering as, say, the industrial revolution.

That’s when I realized something…

• Most people didn’t make it out west.
• Most of the world’s population didn’t live in the colonies during the Revolutionary War, AND
  • The revolution didn’t significantly change the lives of any black slave in the colonies.
  • The revolution didn’t significantly change the lives of most white colonists as it was happening
• After the industrial revolution, there were still farmers, herders, hunter gatherers.

A few interesting points from the site Interent World Stats:

• Only 23% of the world uses the internet
• Over half the world’s population lives in Asia. But in Asia, only 17% of people use the internet.

Yes, yes- here in North America, 74% use the interent. That leaves 26%, or 79 million people NOT using the internet.

What about Social Media…?
According to comScore, 140 Million people used Social Media in April of 2009. Alot? Yes.
Percentage of the world population? 2%

I’m also reminded of a fantastic book I read awhile ago- The Source, by James Michener. The book takes place in the Holy Land, telling the story of one plot of ground from the dawn of time until the present (1960s, when the book was written). At one point in present-time, a local expert-guide takes his American charge around and shows him people living, essentially, in various past eras, including one man living in a cave and using flint tools (Stone-age style).

Where I’m going with all of this, I guess, is…

There is no requirement that anybody be at the forefront of things. Most people, in fact, are not at the forefront of things. While some people (you?) act like the whole world will fall into a black hole if they don’t take advantage of the newest Web 3.7 technology, other people are still happy living in the stone age (literal or figurative).

I’m not suggesting that anyone abandon Social Media, or that it isn’t important (I make my living, partially, by helping people with this stuff)- I’m just suggesting some small amount of perspective. Venture out into the wild frontier because you’re excited, because you’re curious, or even because you’re bored. Go because you’re looking for a new opportunity, because you want to stake a new claim, because yo’re running away from something.
But don’t become a pilgrim just because you feel like you have to. There are still plenty of customers and friends back on the mainland.

But, for those adventurous souls- the pioneers, the outlaws, the prospectors…

“Go west, young man- and grow up with the country.”