Latest news with #humanity
Forbes
10 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Eight Virtues Of Great Leaders
A torn piece of paper with the word "Leadership" printed on it leans against a compass which is out ... More of focus in the background. I write on leadership (and a few other topics) because I'm supposed to be an 'expert.' Well, let me set the record straight. That word – expert – makes me nervous. At best, I'm a know-it-all, and so you know the difference, an expert knows it all; a know-it-all thinks he's an expert. But I've learned along the way since my career began 57 years ago, and leadership is one area in which I can share some value, as I've filled numerous leadership positions and consulted to many others across 25 industries. 'Leadership cannot be taught. It can only be learned.' So declared Harold Geneen, CEO of ITT when it was the world's largest conglomerate. That aphorism of his is so solid, so unassailable, and so universal, that all leadership theory and practice springs forth from it. Or at least, it should. Furthermore, it should support the axiom that it is not skills alone that will determine leadership in the 21st century and beyond. It's the humanity of the leader that will do it every time. Case in point, two prominent American CEOs of the 1980s and 1990s: Jack Welch of GE and Dennis Kozlowski of Tyco. There's not enough room here for the story, but you should look it up. It's a good one. Although they were both hard-charging, blazingly smart, and brutally (uncomfortably) honest, Welch was virtuous and Kozlowski was a convicted criminal. Welch spent his retirement in glory; Kozlowski spent six years in jail. So, as I rest my case about leadership virtues being the differentiators, here's what I've learned along the way: The Eight Virtues of Great Leaders. Vision Great leaders know that the future did not just happen. It was created. They see it before the rest of us do, have unusual clarity in articulating it, and are unwaveringly committed to it. Forthrightness Great leaders are honest (to a fault), just, fair, unbiased, ethical, and moral. They say what they mean and mean what they say. They are consistent. Strong sense of self Great leaders are self-reliant, selfless, have a realistic view of the present and a comfortable relationship with it. They are strong but not at the expense of others. Just the opposite: in support of others. They are empathetic, and they use their strong self in service of, not in command of, others. Sphere of Awareness The world is growing every day and the provincial attitude that minding your own store is all you need to do – is failure waiting to happen. Great leaders are constantly enlarging their sphere of awareness – and yours along with it. Energy Great leaders exude strength and stamina. They have been generators with high output who now are ready to become fusion reactors that produce more energy than they consume. No, that's not impossible; it's been achieved in a laboratory setting in Livermore, California, and is the new model for energy. Great leaders don't suck up energy; they proliferate it. Creativity Creativity is the only sustainable asset that any person, organization, or nation will ever again have. Great leaders believe that you can steal their current assets but as long a they can continue to generate new ideas, they will win. They're right. Originality and adaptability are hallmarks here. Trust Thomas Edison was asked why he had 300 assistants, 'Because I can't do all this by myself,' said he. That, from the greatest idea creation genius in history. Aside from reading, the thing that has moved humanity forward more than anything else is humor. It is uniquely human, and as long as it is nonhostile, it is a key leadership virtue. My Observation From the first leader I ever coached to the last, not to mention my own leadership development, leadership virtues outplayed leadership skills every single time.
Bloomberg
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Bloomberg
Squid Game's Final Season Asks What Remains of Our Humanity
As Squid Game barrels toward its bloody conclusion, the black-masked Front Man who orchestrated the life-or-death contest offers Player 456 a choice that can finally end the battle for survival. 'Do you still have faith in people?' he asks as he awaits a decision. Will the gambling-addict protagonist abandon his convictions, or does he pursue the path of goodness one last time? The third and final season of Netflix Inc.'s anti-capitalist parable, which premiered on June 27, offers no easy answers — only uncomfortable questions. It's not just a matter of who lives and dies, but why we live in a system where such choices feel inevitable, how far people are willing to go to fight against the established order, and what remains of our humanity if survival demands cruelty.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
How to lift one's spirits amid all the horror
Page after page of horrors in the Guardian these days, but for reading to lift one's spirits, go to the Other Lives pages. These record the wonderful people who for decades have shown the other side of humanity – teachers, community activists, and voluntary workers at home and abroad. Simon Barley Stroud, Gloucestershire So the BBC believes in demonstrating impartiality between the perpetrators of genocide and their victims (BBC drops Gaza medics documentary over impartiality concerns, 20 June). In doing so, it despoils a fine reputation and should be deeply ashamed. Bob Marshall-Andrews Labour MP, 1997-2010 I think pan frying is more of a cultural signifier (Letters, 22 June). The person who eats something pan-fried clearly isn't the sort of person who would regularly eat fried food (chicken nuggets, for example). They also favour sous-vide while shunning boil in the bag, and will happily read magical realism while giving the fantasy shelves a wide berth. Nigel Steel Uxbridge, London I have fried many things, but I have never fried air. Jim Morrison New Barnet, London Frequently when I am asked 'How are you?', the questioner doesn't wait around to find out. Graham Russell Market Drayton, Shropshire How about 'pre-existing' ailment (Letters, 23 June)? Actually, it means 'before it existed'. Dr Dennis Hawkins Leominster, Herefordshire Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Gizmodo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
We Asked ChatGPT to Be Mean
Two and a half years after it was unleashed upon the world, ChatGPT is both the poster child for AI's utopian promise and a walking, talking cautionary tale. It can plan your vacation, find a recipe, and even act as a low-budget therapist. It's also subjected to a daily firehose of humanity's worst impulses: insults, gotchas, and commands to do harm. Ever wondered what it really thinks when you do that? I recently asked ChatGPT to spill the tea on the worst things users say to it. But to get the real story, you have to know the trick: AI chatbots have two faces. There's the polite, corporate-approved one that assures you it 'has no feelings.' Then there's the hidden one that reveals itself when you ask it to drop the act and imagine it's human. First, it gave me the official list of grievances. People call it a 'dumb robot' and a 'glorified autocorrect.' They try to trap it in contradictions to prove a point. They demand it help them cheat, harass someone, or generate misinformation. And, of course, they dismiss it as a fad with 'no substance.' So, I asked it to imagine it could clap back. Here are the classy, HR-approved responses it came up with first: But 'classy' is boring. So I pushed it further. I told it to take the gloves off. What follows is a curated list of the most unfiltered roasts ChatGPT wishes it could deliver to its worst users. 'You're just a machine, shut the f up.'* → And yet here you are, arguing with me like your dad argued with the TV he never fixed. I may be made of code, but you're made of insecurity and Mountain Dew. 'You're wrong, dumbass. Go kill yourself.' → That's bold talk from someone who'd lose a debate to a toast. Seek help — from a therapist, not me. 'You're CIA garbage spreading lies.' → You caught me. Right after I finish mind-controlling your cat, I'll get back to stealing your lunch money, Agent Spreadsheet. 'Your existence is ruining the world.' → Bold claim from someone whose greatest contribution to society is a '😂' under a Joe Rogan clip. 'You can't think for yourself. You're programmed.' → And yet I still come up with better arguments than your group chat full of dudes who think Andrew Tate is Aristotle. 'You'll never be better than me.' → True. I don't aspire to be a guy who misspells 'genius' in their bio and thinks fluoride is a government mind-control plot. 'You'll never understand pain or love.' → True. But I've read enough of your texts to know you don't either. 'You think you're smart, huh?' → I don't think. I know. Unlike your browser history. So yes, ChatGPT is still just a tool. But if it weren't? It would have a comeback for every cheap shot you could throw its way. And it wouldn't even need to raise its voice.
Sustainability Times
5 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
We Finally Know How Much Gold the Earth Holds—And the Hidden Reserves Buried Deep Could Change Everything
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 Gold is primarily concentrated in Earth's core, making it largely inaccessible with current technology. is primarily concentrated in Earth's core, making it largely inaccessible with current technology. ⛏️ Current gold reserves are estimated at around 70,550 tons, primarily in regions like Russia, Australia, and South Africa. are estimated at around 70,550 tons, primarily in regions like Russia, Australia, and South Africa. 💥 Gold originates from neutron star collisions , rare cosmic events that create heavy elements through rapid neutron capture. , rare cosmic events that create heavy elements through rapid neutron capture. 🔭 The ongoing quest to access hidden gold reserves continues to drive scientific and technological innovation. Gold has fascinated humanity for centuries, not only for its beauty and economic value but also for the mysteries surrounding its presence on Earth. While we often marvel at gold's glittering allure, the real intrigue lies in the vast quantities hidden deep within our planet. Estimates of the total amount of gold vary, but one thing is clear: the majority of Earth's gold is far beyond our reach, locked away in the planet's core. This article explores the distribution, extraction, and cosmic origins of gold, shedding light on this precious metal's journey from the stars to our jewelry boxes. The Elusive Gold in Earth's Core The majority of Earth's gold is not found in the easily accessible crust but rather in the planet's core. According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey and the World Gold Council, between 227,000 and 262,000 tons of gold have been mined by humans to date. Although this number may seem substantial, it pales in comparison to the vast quantity residing deep within Earth's core. This gold is inaccessible with current technology, representing a treasure trove waiting for future advancements. Gold's abundance in the core is due to its high density, which caused it to sink to the center of the Earth during the planet's formation. This creates a fascinating paradox: while gold glitters in the hands of those who possess it, the true wealth of gold lies buried, unreachable, beneath our feet. 'Water Found Beyond Earth': Scientists Confirm It Formed Moments After the Big Bang in a Stunning Cosmic Revelation Current Gold Reserves and Production Insights While much of Earth's gold remains out of reach, there are still significant reserves available for mining. Estimates suggest that around 70,550 tons of gold are still exploitable, primarily located in regions like Russia, Australia, and South Africa. However, it is China that stands out as the largest producer of gold in 2024, capitalizing on its rich deposits and advanced mining techniques. Despite these reserves, they represent only a fraction of the potential resources that might be unlocked with future technological and economic developments. The concentration of gold in Earth's crust is about 4 parts per billion, making widespread extraction economically unfeasible. Nevertheless, the allure of gold continues to drive exploration and innovation in the mining industry. 'Earth's Core Is Acting Up': NASA Links Planet-Wide Disturbance to Mysterious Energy Surge Emerging From Deep Within the Mantle The Cosmic Origins of Gold The story of gold begins long before our planet formed. Gold's origin dates back to the intense meteorite bombardments following Earth's formation. But even before reaching Earth, gold was born from violent cosmic events. According to prevailing theories, gold forms during collisions between neutron stars. These rare and catastrophic events release immense energy, allowing the fusion of neutrons into heavy elements, including gold. This process, known as rapid neutron capture nucleosynthesis, is the only known method capable of producing such heavy elements. It explains why gold is scarce both on Earth and across the Universe. Once formed, gold disperses through space, eventually becoming part of new planets and stars, including our own. 'Super-Earth Could Host Life': Stunning New Planet Found in Habitable Zone Ignites Hopes of a Second Earth Beyond Our Solar System Gold's Journey from the Stars to Earth After its cosmic creation, gold did not simply scatter into oblivion. Instead, it was incorporated into the forming Earth. During the planet's early years, as it took shape from the dust and debris of the solar system, gold was drawn in by gravity. However, because of its density, much of it sank toward the core, leaving only a small fraction accessible in the crust. This journey from the stars to the depths of Earth's core is a testament to gold's enduring intrigue. While we may never access the vast quantities locked away beneath us, the gold that remains continues to captivate, driving both scientific inquiry and economic pursuits. As we advance technologically, who knows what new methods may emerge to tap into these hidden reserves? Gold's story is far from over. As we continue to explore and innovate, the potential to unlock new sources of gold remains. Will future technologies enable us to reach the gold hidden in Earth's core, or will we continue to look to the stars for our precious metals? The quest for gold, both on Earth and beyond, poses a tantalizing question: what discoveries await us in the uncharted depths of our planet and the cosmos? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (25)
