I recently had the privilege of meeting MJ a few weeks ago in Atlantic City. I was humbled to be in the presence of such a star. In all truth, the guy I met was actually an impersonator. But he was such a good impersonator it was like meeting the real MJ. See embarrassing picture at bottom of page.
What good would MJ have to say to my baby boy? Throughout the Thrillers and Smooth Criminals, where lies the valuable song that will benefit my son for a lifetime to come?
Option #1: Lengthy explanation: keep reading.
Option #2: The get to the point explanation (aka - I'm only reading your blog b/c I'm related to you or know you well explanation): skip down to below the line.
(begin lengthy explanation)
Γνώθι σ 'αυτόν
The phrase highlighted above is written in Greek. It was the inscription written above the entrance gates to the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Here's how the temple worked: on certain days of the month (usually the 7th), people would be able to go to the temple and ask the Oracle - a beautiful Greek woman whom the gods spoke through - any question they wanted and get an answer. Usually, questions fell along the lines of "Will we win this battle," "Who is the smartest person in the land," and so on. All questions were answered at this temple.
But the inscription above was written on the gates - in plain sight to anyone who entered the temple. The phrase - which translates to "Know Thyself" in English - was possibly the best answer to any question that could be asked to the Oracle. The Greeks thought this phrase to be so valuable, they saw it fitting to put out front for everyone to see. Why did they think this was so important?
Greek philosopher Socrates believed that self knowledge was a prerequisite for a good life. Self awareness is important for any type of human growth and development, and it's the fundamental element. Knowing thyself is being able to look in a mirror and recognize my strengths, and weak spots. It's being able to know how far to push my strengths before hubris sets in and weakness begins.
In summary: It's important to be self aware.
_________________________________________________
(the abbreviated explanation starts here)
Sometimes on winter nights when Wife has gone off to work her late shifts and I'm home by myself, I get the urge to dance. Not ashamed. Judge if you'd like. I'll be the first to admit though, I'm far from a great dancer. But that's changed ever since I've been practicing with the Michael Jackson Experience for Wii!!! The MJE game is simple, dance along to MJ's best songs. I'm positive that Baby Whiz will be dancing to this video game before he's even walking.
Not only does MJ have great dance moves, he has great advice.
Playlist Monday Track #3: Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson
(feel free to listen to the song while reading a brief explanation)
This song message is simple: to make a change in the world you have to begin by making a change in yourself. While it's great advice and all, that's not the exact message I want to convey here on the Playlist to Baby Whiz.
It's just about the simple act of being able to look in the mirror and getting to know oneself. Being able to recognize where his strengths and weaknesses lie so he can go on to be a force of positive change where he goes. Michael Jackson is siding with the ancient Greeks in that they're both claiming: Progress begins with an introspective examination.
Simple terms: taking a look at yourself is a prerequisite for any positive change in this world.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to be getting back to the Michael Jackson Experience on Wii!! This is just a warning, do not play any MJ around me or Baby Whiz if you don't want us to start movin'.
(cue embarrassing pic)
(that's http://cneading.wordpress.com/ there on the left. Pay a visit sometime.)
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