An Inspiring Gathering of Nonlinear Thinkers
Yesterday, September 18th, the Octopus Movement had the pleasure of hosting a Brain Lunch with the renowned author Anthony Sattin. This intimate yet intellectually robust gathering brought together 29 guests from all corners of the globe, united by their nonlinear thought patterns and a strong desire to enact positive change.
Anthony Sattin's Eight-Year Journey: Writing "Nomads"
The atmosphere was electrifying as Sattin took us through the eight-year journey that culminated in his seminal book, "Nomads." The event resonated strongly with the attendees, many of whom found themselves contemplating, "I feel so much like a nomad." This sentiment was not only a testament to the power of Sattin's storytelling but also an endorsement of the collective mindset of the Octopuses (or Octopi) present.
Freedom of Consciousness: The Core Principle
The phrase "I feel so much like a nomad" echoes the core principle of the Octopus Movement: freedom of consciousness. This freedom enables us to traverse not just geographical territories but the labyrinthine intricacies of the mind as well. It empowers us to break down conventional paradigms, to challenge ingrained notions, and to foster a fluid exchange of ideas. The philosophy "what we give will come back to us" takes on new life in this context. It encourages mutual growth and a belief that every individual has something valuable to contribute.
The Ineffectiveness of Walls
In the Octopus Movement, walls—whether literal or metaphorical—are considered counterproductive. Our shared vision challenges the idea that barriers are useful for protection or compartmentalization. Instead, we advocate for a life where walls do not restrict our learning, love, or personal development. As nonlinear thinkers, we are akin to bees that cross-pollinate, bringing ideas from one context into another to produce innovative solutions and deeper understanding.
The Octopus Movement: You Can't Stop It, Survival is to Keep Moving
One unanimous sentiment among the Octopi is that "you can't stop the movement." In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is more than a skill; it's a necessity for survival. This is particularly true for us nonlinear thinkers, who often find the conventional avenues restrictive and monolithic. Our survival instinct is not just to adapt but to innovate, to bring forth new patterns of thought, and to infuse fresh perspectives into stagnant situations.
If We Were in Charge: Celebrating Uncertainty and Divergent Education
Were the Octopuses to design a society, uncertainty would not be a condition to be avoided but celebrated. In a similar vein, the education system would undergo a complete overhaul, shifting focus from linear accomplishments to a more divergent style of learning. We would emphasize the beauty of non-monumental achievements—those small but significant milestones that make life rich and fulfilling.
By intermingling diverse perspectives and challenging the status quo, the Octopus Movement aims to transform the way we think, act, and contribute to the world. Our Brain Lunch with Anthony Sattin served as yet another reminder that to be an Octopus is to embrace the nomadic spirit within us all, in pursuit of a future where the balance between humanity and nature is not just a vision but a lived reality. URLs the Brain Lunch: https://youtu.be/1WBazVllOXU?feature=shared
New York Times Book review Nomads: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/14/travel/anthony-sattin-nomads-interview.html
Anthony Sattin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Sattin