Why I love Russ Nelson

Ever seen a corporate environment that praises the concept of "outside the box" thinking, but punishes the practice of "outside the box" thinking?

I have seen lots of this, and I'm convinced it's because most people don't think outside the box, and most people like to hang out with people who think like they think.  It can be so annoying to try to smooth over those rough spots caused by our differences, can't it?

I was reading danah boyd's blog today (yeah, it happens) which includes a brief and passionate analysis of why she has settled on Obama instead of Clinton, based on who would be the better president.  The comment section includes praise from fans of both camps.  And then Russ Nelson weighs in.  Russ says,

"The issue here is not getting the right person in office -- it's making it less crucial to have the right person in office."

Russ is a Libertarian and he recommends less concentration of power in Washington and more distribution of power to the states.

I used to work with someone who once complained that I brought up topics that were "orthogonal" to the discussion.  "Orthogonal" literally means "at right angles to" and figuratively means "not pertinent to the matter under consideration" (WordNet).  Russ' comment was orthogonal to the conversation who makes a better president, Barack or Hillary (he backs Ron Paul). 

Orthogonal comments are literally "impertinent".  They can be annoying.  They are also the hallmark of the "outside the box" thinker, and so much more interesting than the same old debate.  I love that Russ thinks like this.  I think there are lots more who do, and who keep their mouths shut in the corporate environment.  They keep their mouths shut because they've suffered unpleasant consequences from opening them.  As have I, as has Russ.

Russ, thanks for sharing your orthogonal opinions.  I don't find them impertinent at all.

Comments

[Russell Nelson]

Awwwww! I love you, too, Isabel, impertinence and all. Gee, maybe I'll send you some soap! http://blog.isabelwalcott.com/2008/01/someone-sent-so.html

[Dave Kanter]

As have I! Although I never have seen just why I should "put a sock in it."

Without creative leaps we go nowhere, but, sadly, far too many (think they) have a vested interest in the status quo. Oh, wait, maybe I should get my own blog!

You've inspired me to make T-Shirts: "ORTHOGONAL RULES!"