Encouraging email

Tom got this email:

Dear Mr. Barnett,

It is after 3 AM and I can't sleep for the third night after reading "The Pentagon's New Map." I'm processing a lifetime of study of many disciplines into a unified whole. This may sound hokey, but I believe I'm going through a religious experience. For the first time in my life I feel that my "self" is connected to all the billions of "selves" in the world. Your vision of the future of globalization has shown me an new way of thinking - a practical faith in the future

Being that I am the son of two survivors of the Holocaust in Poland, over many years I have sought the global connectivity you discuss but on psychological, intra-psychic level. Until I read your book, I didn't realize that due to my parents' experience, and the persecution I experienced as a child, subconsciously I felt abandoned by the world, even after living in this country since 1958.

I've met many people in this country who have much sympathy for my legacy, but you're the only one with a practical, proactive vision that goes beyond America. It's funny how the Lord works in mysterious ways. I bought your book for $4.95 at a discount store, only because it was cheap and the title interested me. Now, I can not put a price on it.

I hope you don't mind if I write my thought to you while I'm going through this metamorphosis. You need not respond, as I know that you understand exactly what I'm talking about.

Comments

[Mary]

Thank you for sharing this reader's reflections on Road Map. I have felt that way as well, but hadn't put it into these words. You are on to something, Tom, and the more folks we can get to listen to you - the more impact you will have. I wrote to your people to ask how the average citizen can get a change to attend an event in which you speak. Can you and your people work on that for some of us. Would it be possible for you to post some of those opportunities?

[CitSAR]

I found 'The Brief' and "PNM" in particular shocking. That is - when I watched the 'The Brief' on CSPAN (quite by accident) it was like a light bulb in millions of watts suddenly turned on illuminating my world view, adding color to a black, white and grey view I had obtained decades ago in college as a history major.

Horizontal thinking [I absolutely love that Tourism/Egypt example and used it in a USAF Aux. Cadet class on mid-east intel & actionable intel I taught just last week - And the Cadets (age 12-18) loved it too], horizontal analysis, rule set re-sets, technology moves faster than regulation, concept after concept that was so simply stated it rocked my world and how I think.

I would be the first to say I dont agree with DR Barnett on every single thing. I also would be the first to recomend his stuff to anyone. That being said, I read him daily because his perspective is very, very important. The tendency to look to him for real time analysis is addictive, but its clear he is looking at the big and long term picture.

Somebody has to do it, and a caveman cant.

[J. wood]

I too have felt my vision and purpose clarify reading your work, Tom. And I've found interestingly in conversation that putting the context Future Worth Creating around ideas makes people much more accountable for their opinions. If applied with requisite tension, it busts people from their pet projects, reconfiguring formerly 'obvious' positions (ie. anti-globalization) and aligning them to deeper impulses (ie. world peace, connectivity/harmony). You've keyed on the faultline(s) in value systems and been able to articulate a truly integrated worldview that transcends and includes the logistics of so many other positions, discarding sacred cows of each that interfere with the global trajectory forward/together. I can't with adequate words express the gratitude I have for finding this work, your diligence in spreading it, and the positive changes it has made in my personal and academic career as an educator.

[Jimmy J]

I'm not from another country where I was traumatized by events, but I understand exactly what your e-mailer said.

I have recommended PNM and BFA to many people who do not understand the global picture. Your ability to think outside the box and see the bigger picture is extremely valuable.

While I certainly don't agree with you on many things, I depend on you to keep giving me that thinking big and outside the box perspective. Many thanks to you for that.