“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
Enlarge ImageI watched Leni Riefenstahl’s Triumph of the Will, a very controversial film on Hitler’s 1934 Nuremberg Rally put on by equally controversial Toronto film connoisseur, Reg Hartt, at the Cineforum (a make-shift theatre in his home). The movie blew me away. It was a powerful, real-life portrayal of Hitler’s propaganda machine and the horrifying consequences of mass media manipulation. An eerie chill went through my spine as I saw aerial footage of column after column of endless soldiers marching through the streets of Nuremberg. Little German boys and girls hailing the Fuhrer with innocent smiles and outstretched hands of youthful idealism. Little German youths beating the drums of death. Hitler parting a sea of loyal soldiers. And watching a nation mesmerized by the spell of this diminutive, unassuming, and rather plain looking monster.
What really hit me though was Reg Hartt’s commentary after the movie ended. A lady had kept coming to the viewing of that movie, over and over again. She had attended the viewing over sixteen times. When he asked her what she found so fascinating about the film. She told him that she was the young smiling girl in the movie looking down from a rooftop at Hitler’s parade. She was with her Mother, Father, sisters, and brother. They were waiving the Nazi flag and cheering Hitler on. They were Jews. She was the only survivor in her family.
What flag are you waiving? What herd mentality have we accepted without further thought, without scrutiny? I challenge you to take the road less traveled by. It is uncommon knowledge that gives rise to uncommon leadership.
Do something uncommon. Go to the library and pick out a book that you would never touch in a million years. Watch a film in a genre that you rarely see. Attend a lecture on a topic that would make most people go, “Huh?” What is one thing you can do or experience this month that is uncommon? Go do it.
Sharif Khan (http://www.herosoul.com; sharif@herosoul.com) is a freelance writer, motivational speaker, coach, and author of “Psychology of the Hero Soul,” an inspirational book on awakening the hero within and developing people’s leadership potential. To contact Sharif directly, call: (416) 417-1259.
Sharif Khan
Sharif Khan is a freelance writer, motivational speaker, and author of Psychology of the Hero Soul, an inspirational book on awakening the hero within and developing people’s leadership potential. Based on his ten years research to the field of human development, Khan provides inspirational keynotes and leadership seminars to help people tap into their inner-hero potential for higher success. Sharif Khan is a man with a mission. His vision is to inspire the world and make a positive difference in people’s lives. To help create a global culture of heroes and responsible citizens dedicated to promoting peace and prosperity in the world. For a free, no-obligation quote on your next writing project or to book Khan for a speaking engagement, call 416-417-1259 or email inspire@herosoul.com with your specific requirements. Sharif Khan is also available for author interviews to the media. (For more information on Sharif Khan, you can browse his author overview page or visit his website at: http://www.herosoul.com
Interests and Hobbies:
Sharif Khan is an avid reader and movie buff. Literature, Arts & Entertainment, and Personal Development are his life-blood. Writing is Sharif’s ‘main business,’ purpose, and passion. Currently, he is working on an inspirational novel.
Khan also enjoys writing, speaking, and commenting on topics of business/entrepreneurship, sales and marketing, personal growth, and leadership.
After graduating from York University with a B.A. in Psychology, Sharif Khan decided to pursue his passion with books and writing. Some of Khan’s adventures involved managing a Bestsellers bookstore, serving as Director of The MetroActive Writer’s Club, taking a creative writing course at The Humber School of Writing, launching a book nationwide, and publishing several articles in a number of well-respected national and international magazines and newspapers.
Sharif Khan welcomes questions and personal correspondence. While Sharif does have a busy schedule and is not able to respond to every email or phone call, he does make an effort to reply back. You can reach Khan directly at sharif@herosoul.com or 416-417-1259.
Homepage:
http://www.herosoul.com