Anne Frank

"In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart."

— Anne Frank

German Writer

1929 - 1945

One of the challenges that I have faced in my life is that I am sometimes too trusting of people.  I believe that inside every person there is some good.  Yet, I know that people have been nice to my face and negative behind my back.  Sometimes I have not found out about it until years later when somebody accidently says something.  




As creative leaders we may encounter people who will try to use us and manipulate us for their advantage.  People will try to take advantage of us.  I talked with a speaker once whose office manager embezzled more than $750,000 from him.  He trusted her and treated her as family only to find out she was stealing from him.  Those of us who have a kind and trusting heart need to be careful.  




Fame and fortune can turn friends into enemies.  Fame and fortune can bring jealousy and envy.  In the book, Dean and Me: A Love Story, Jerry Lewis discusses the breakup of his business and theatrical relationship with Dean Martin.  Fame and fortune brought people into their lives who did not have their best interests at heart.  These people stoked the flames of jealousy and envy.  And eventually the dynamic comedy duo was destroyed.




Yet, as Anne Frank says so well, we need to still believe in people despite what they may have done to us.  Don't let yourself become cynical and sarcastic.  Not everyone is out to steal from you.  Not everyone wants to use you and your good name.  Hold onto your innocence.  Believe in the good in others.

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Arthur Koestler

"Every creative act involves. . . a new innocence of perception, liberated from the cataract of accepted belief."

Arthur Koestler

Hungarian Novelist and Writer

1905 - 1983

Creativity involves breaking down old ways of seeing and believing and discovering new perceptions and ways of understanding the world.  Creativity must first be a destructive force as it destroys the old patterns and beliefs.  We must tear down before we can build.  Then destruction gives way to rebirth and renewal and the generation of innocence and hope.  This is the paradox of creative energy: Death and Rebirth.  Destruction and Rebuilding.  Cynicism and Innocence.  Doubt and Faith.

Are you looking at the world in new ways?  Have you discovered new ways of thinking about your art?  Have you liberated yourself from the prison of the past?  Have you found hope in what you are creating?  Have you opened the door to the future?

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