Wisdom, entrepreneurship, and the power of inclusion
Wisdom, entrepreneurship, and the power of inclusion
How to reconcile the delicate intersections of tradition, business, and social harmony, with yourself and others,
Wieder duftet der Wald. Es heben die schwebenden Lerchen mit sich den Himmel empor, der unseren Schultern schwer war; zwar sah man noch durch die Äste den Tag, wie er leer war, - aber nach langen, regnenden Nachmittagen kommen die goldübersonnten neueren Stunden, vor denen flüchtend an fernen Häuserfronten alle die wunden Fenster furchtsam mit Flügeln schlagen. Dann wird es still. Sogar der Regen geht leiser über der Steine ruhig dunkelnden Glanz. Alle Geräusche ducken sich ganz in die glänzenden Knospen der Reiser.
— Rainer Maria Rilke, Aus Einem April1, Das Buch der Bilder
[This article is a combination of two previously published articles that I took down. To check them out, click the links here and here.]
I’ve been grappling with an internal conflict that feels deeply personal, and begrudgingly frustrating.
After years immersed in psychology, philosophy, and spiritual practices, I’ve come to see the wisdom passed down through generations as invaluable; it’s shaped my current worldview, and feels as if a collective birthright—to be shared freely with everyone.
Now, as I start a business, I find myself at a crossroads.
How do I charge for something so sacred?
Even though I’ve paid for books, spiritual guidance, and retreats, the essence of these teachings feels beyond monetary value.
Standing on the edge of this dilemma, I’m searching for the balance between staying authentic to my beliefs and stepping into entrepreneurship.
How can I honor both?
How do I reconcile the sacred with the commercial?
Aristotle provides guidance with the Golden Mean
Aristotle’s Golden Mean speaks to me in these moments of doubt.
He says that virtue lies between excess and deficiency—between doing too much and too little2.
How do I apply this balance and share the wisdom I’ve gained without feeling like I’m exploiting it?
This struggle, I realize, mirrors a larger societal question:
How do we, as a divided world, find harmony between extremes?
Family dynamics are reflections of our societies
Imagine heading to a family gathering. What’s the first thing that comes to mind?
For me, it’s often been “what will people discuss,” or “what have people been up to?”
Family gatherings have always been a sort of sore subject for me, and now that my maternal grandparents are both gone (being the glue that held our small family together), things undoubtedly feel different.
Does anyone else have that endlessly optimistic uncle or the aunt who loves you to pieces? And then there are the cousins—you're never quite sure if you get along or not.
Despite their polar opposite personalities, they balance each other out—one softening the other's rough edges, making the family dynamic work seamlessly.
Isn’t this how our societies work too3?
Discordances within societies are a lot like family squabbles at a big holiday dinner.
Picture this scenario:
One family member just wants to enjoy their mashed potatoes in peace, while another is determined to stir the pot with every possible controversial topic.
Suddenly, Aunt Karen is defending her casserole recipe like it’s a constitutional right, while Uncle Bob is lecturing about politics, and everyone’s just wondering when dessert will arrive.
These tensions, like in any society, arise from clashing values, but if we’re lucky, the pie might save the day.
Poor communication and an unwillingness to compromise deepen societal divides, yet political polarities—like liberalism and conservatism, or security and compassion—although seemingly extreme, work together to maintain essential balance and keep society functioning.
Balance, once again, is the key.
The balancing act within Canadian and US politics
The political dynamics between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in the U.S., as well as Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre in Canada, reveal ongoing battles over how each nation balances key issues such as immigration, climate change, and economic growth.
In the U.S., the 2024 presidential race between Trump and Harris is extremely tight, with Harris holding a slight lead in recent polls4.
Trump's core message emphasizes strict immigration policies, economic stability, and expanding traditional energy production through his "drill, baby, drill" approach, which appeals strongly to male and older voters.
[For more information about Donald Trump’s platform click here.]
Harris, meanwhile, has positioned herself as a progressive candidate, championing immigration reform, green energy initiatives, and climate action through measures like the Inflation Reduction Act.
[For more information about Harris’ platform click here.]
These opposing visions are shaping the U.S. political landscape, characterized by deep polarization between progressives and conservatives, while Canada’s political climate, in contrast, is marked by a more moderate, consensus-driven approach.
Justin Trudeau, the current leader of the Liberal Party, and Pierre Poilievre, current head of the Conservative Party, represent opposing views but maintain a more cooperative tone.
Trudeau’s platform focuses on progressive values, emphasizing environmental policies to cut carbon emissions, renewable energy investments, and social programs to foster inclusivity and build a diverse, socially equitable Canada5.
Pierre Poilievre criticizes Trudeau’s handling of inflation and economic challenges, advocating for lower taxes, reduced government spending, and aggressive development of oil and gas, which appeals to voters concerned with the cost of living, especially in energy-rich regions like Alberta6.
Trudeau’s progressive policies and Poilievre’s economic pragmatism reflect Canada’s effort to balance environmental responsibility with economic growth, while both Canada and the U.S. navigate competing ideologies to maintain stability and meet their citizens' diverse needs.
So where’s the balance?
How do we reconcile these extremes?
Historical lessons about inclusions path to stability
Looking back at history, I find guidance.
The Edict of Milan in 313 CE, when Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity, was a key moment as he recognized that ending persecution was crucial to preventing division and stabilizing the empire.
By including Christians, Constantine brought peace, demonstrating the clear lesson that inclusion can lead to stability.
And isn’t that what political debate is really about?
King Charles II's 1660 Act of Indemnity and Oblivion, offering forgiveness after years of civil war, illustrates how inclusion and forgiveness can foster unity and harmony within a nation.
King Charles II's Act of Indemnity and Oblivion healed deep divisions within the nation by recognizing the past and choosing to move forward with inclusivity rather than punishment.
Testing the limits of balance when extremes are necessary
While balance is important, I recognize that sometimes extreme action is necessary.
The 1494 Treaty of Tordesillas divided the world between Spain and Portugal, preventing conflict, showing that balance can’t always resolve deeper issues—sometimes standing firm is necessary, especially in matters of human rights or social justice.
In my business, I need to recognize that while balance is important, there are times when I must take a firm stance—whether in pricing fairly or standing up for the value I offer.
Bridging the divide with my own Golden Mean
I'm learning that finding my Golden Mean isn’t about always staying in the middle but about discernment—knowing when balance is helpful and when a firm stance is necessary.
Packaging my business offerings doesn’t have to feel like profiteering; it can be about offering value in a way that respects both my heritage and my future.
Like the Golden Mean Aristotle speaks of, I’m striving to find that sweet spot between giving too much away and asking for too much in return.
It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.
Daily balance and compassion in practice
I’ve started to incorporate daily practices that help me find balance in my personal and professional life.
Each day, I take a few minutes to reflect on those with whom I disagree, and I’ve found that this practice softens my heart, creating space for understanding, empathy, and forgiveness.
I challenge myself weekly to reconcile by mending relationships or offering apologies, as these small actions help heal both personal and societal divides.
Building harmony in a diverse and decisive world
As I continue my entrepreneurial journey, I’m reminded that finding balance is an ongoing process of constantly seeking ways to bring opposing forces together.
I want to offer something of value to the world, something that’s true to who I am and where I’ve come from, without feeling like I’m exploiting the very wisdom that has shaped me.
In the end, the world we live in may be divided, but it’s also rich with opportunities to connect, to find harmony, and to offer something meaningful.
I may not have all the answers, but I do know this:
The balance I seek isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention.
So, in a world where cash is often king, how do you balance between staying true to your values and adapting to the demands of feeding yourself, and your loved ones?
A rough translation in English is:
The forest smells again. It raises the floating larks which were so heavy on our shoulders, upwards into the sky; indeed, one saw through the branches the day, how it was empty, but after long, rainy afternoons come the gold, sunny newer hours, before which the far house fronts flee all the sore windows, fearful with wings’ attack. Then it is still. Even the rain goes softer over the stone’s peaceful, darkening shine. All sounds hide away in the shiny buds of the bushes.
Aristotle’s concept of moral virtue centers on the idea that virtues are developed through habit, rather than being innate.
Virtue is the mean between two extremes: excess and deficiency.
For instance, courage is the balance between recklessness (excess) and cowardice (deficiency).
This “golden mean” is attained by repeatedly performing virtuous actions, which shape one’s character.
Aristotle highlights that achieving virtue requires not only knowledge but practice and consistent effort.
For more information on this topic, see F.H. Peters (trans) of The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle, pages 50-73
A functional society, much like a family unit, thrives on the principle of balance, where each member plays a distinct role, just as in an orchestra or a well-steered ship.
In this analogy, family members with differing temperaments complement one another, softening each other’s rough edges and creating a harmonious dynamic.
Similarly, in society, diverse individuals—through cooperation, contribution, and adaptability—ensure progress and stability.
Just as a family blends different roles to create harmony, society integrates diverse talents and viewpoints to function effectively.
Various sources can be used to collect this data:
With any luck this individual won’t be in office much longer.
Justin Trudeau’s leadership has faced several controversies, including the SNC-Lavalin affair where he was found in violation of conflict of interest laws for pressuring the Attorney General, and the WE Charity scandal, where his family’s ties to the charity led to accusations of impropriety.
His government has also faced criticism for slow progress on Indigenous reconciliation, particularly regarding pipeline projects and boil-water advisories.
Economically, rising national debt and inflation under his tenure have drawn concerns.
Additionally, his support for fossil fuel development contrasts with his climate action goals, and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the vaccine rollout and response to the Freedom Convoy protests, was polarizing.
[For more information on Justin Trudeau’s platform click here.]
Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada's Conservative Party, is advocating for lower taxes, reduced government spending, and boosting Canada's economy through natural resource development, particularly oil and gas.
[For more information on Poilievre platform click here.]
He has been critical of Justin Trudeau’s economic policies, focusing on rising inflation, housing affordability issues, and the increasing national debt.
Poilievre's supporters praise his defense of personal liberties, especially regarding opposition to COVID-19 mandates.
However, critics argue that his focus on fiscal conservatism may lead to cuts in essential social services and that his opposition to climate policies could hinder Canada’s environmental progress.
That’s a powerful question, especially in today’s world. Balancing between staying true to your values and adapting to the practical demands of life, like supporting yourself and your loved ones, is a delicate dance.
It often comes down to prioritizing what matters most in the long run and finding ways to align your work or financial pursuits with your core principles. Always be in alignment. I do believe in that, even if it means making compromises sometimes. This life is a game, but ironically, we lose if we play. I personally believe it is all about walking that tightrope and staying connected to your values when life demands practicality.